Here's how Lionel Messi welcomed 2024

As the world bid adieu to 2023 with some ruminating on various aspects of the outgoing year, renowned footballer Lionel Messi took a rather more optimistic approach and chose to welcome 2024 instead of reflecting on the past.

Messi, who was named Time's Athlete of the Year for 2023 after having a rather eventful year as he debuted for David Beckham-owned Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS), took to social media to share a family portrait featuring his wife Antonella Roccuzzo and three sons Thiago, Mateo and the youngest Ciro.

“Feliz [happy] 2024!!” read the caption on Messi’s Instagram post.

The star footballer bid farewell to 2023 after having a notable impact on the football world — especially his decision to join the MLS which, since then, has brought notable limelight to the league.

However, the acclaimed striker will be sitting out on nearly half a dozen matches in the upcoming season owing to his commitments with the Argentina national team throughout 2024 — most notably in the Copa America scheduled for June and July this year.

Messi will miss at least five MLS matches from June 15 to July 6. Additionally, there's a possibility of him missing two early-season games for Miami in March, coinciding with a FIFA international break. The specific matches Argentina will play during this period are yet to be confirmed.