Year in Review: 10 Images that Defined 2023 for the Latino Community in the U.S.

From politics to sports to pop culture, Latinos play a relevant role in most aspects of U.S. society, and 2023 was no exception. People and events dominated the public conversation between January and December, illustrating the demographic's impact in all walks of life. In that context, The Latin Times chose 10 images that defined the Latino community in the United States in 2023.

Lionel Messi: The Legend Lives On

What else can be said about Lionel Messi? He just can't stop rewriting history. Almost one year after securing his first World Cup, Messi won his record 8thBallon d'Or award earlier this year.

Rio Grande Buoys

Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the setting of buoys on a section of the Río Grande to prevent migrants from crossing into the state. The measure's legality has been challenged but a judge has ordered it remain in place until a final decision is made. The buoys are located near Eagle Pass, a sector that is heavily used by migrants who try to reach the United States.

Latino GDP Reaches $3.2 Trillion

The Gross Domestic Product generated by Latinos in the United States grew by $400 billion, reaching now $3.2 trillion, said the Latino Donor Collaborative in the 2023 edition of a report that showcases this group's contribution to the American economy. According to the LDC, the new Latino GDP Report shows that if the 64-million strong community were a country it would be the fifth largest economy in the world.

Donald Trump's Infamous Univision Interview

Different polls have shown that Joe Biden has been losing support among Latinos in detriment of Donald Trump, a rhetoric that was amplified in late November after the first exclusive interview by TelevisaUnivision with the likely Republican presidential candidate.

The network was heavily criticized by prominent Latino political figures and advocacy groups for a lack of confrontation and follow-up questions. Wade Davis, CEO of TelevisaUnivision, publicly defended the network's interview, saying "we made a decision to adopt a strategy that is different than what some other major networks are using, which has been labeled as partisan."

Ronald Acuña Jr. MVP

The Atlanta Braves ball player made the rounds in November after being chosen as National League MVP for the first time in his career. He is the third Venezuelan to ever win the award, after Miguel Cabrera and José Altuve, both of whom won it in the American League.

Bad Bunny, Entertainer Extraordinaire

Bad Bunny not only shone in the musical stages, but also in the acting ones. Benito achieved yet a new milestone in his already illustrious career by hosting Saturday Night Live in late October. The singer performed some of his songs and also acted in some skits along with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and fellow Latino actor Pedro Pascal.

Bob Menendez: A Senator's Antics

New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez was hit with a series criminal charges, with prosecutors accusing him of acting as a foreign agent on behalf of Egypt. His wife and Egyptian-American businesswoman Wael Hana, was charged as well. In September he and his wife were accused of accepting bribes linked to Egypt in exchange for using his influence as a senator to benefit three businesspeople from the state he represents. The indictment alleges that Menendez received bribes in the form of gold bars, cash and luxury vehicles. Menendez has denied any wrongdoing and refused to step down from his position.

Shakira 'Cashes In' and Reaps Awards

The Colombian singer continued dominating the stages in 2023, especially in the Latin Grammys. She won Song of the Year for "Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53," in collaboration with Bizarrap. She also got the Best Pop Song award with this session with the Argentine singer and producer and Best Urban Fusion/Performance for "Tqg", in which she featured a Karol G song.

Everyone's Favorite Uncle, Brother, Beau: Pedro Pascal

Besides becoming the Internet's daddy and one of the most beloved figures in Hollywood, Pedro Pascal is also a very good actor. 2023 was the year in which he really got to flex his chops thanks in no small part to his role in the hit HBO drama The Last of Us. Pascal managed to pull off a performance for the ages by giving Joel, the rugged protagonist, an emotional edge that connected with viewers and left us all counting down the days until season two (spoiler alert: it's going to be a while).

It's worth noting that Pedro Pascal was everywhere this last year, showing off his range in movies like The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, opposite Nicholas Cage, and Pedro Almodovar's Strange Way of Life, opposite Ethan Hawke. That is, on top of starring in another season of everybody's favorite cross-galaxy bounty hunter: 'The Mandalorian.'

True Latino Power: 'Blue Bettle'

"Blue Beetle" features the first Latino superhero, 22-year-old Jaime Reyes, portrayed by Xolo Maridueña from "Cobra Kai." After becoming the first in his family to graduate college, Reyes returns to his hometown, Palmera City, only to confront the stark changes brought about by gentrification and displacement. These transformations have adversely impacted his family's business and cherished home. As the eldest sibling, Reyes embraces the responsibility of supporting his loved ones financially, while also setting forth on a quest to discover his life's purpose.

After becoming the first in his family to graduate college, Reyes returns to his hometown, Palmera City, only to confront the stark changes brought about by gentrification and displacement. These transformations have adversely impacted his family's business and cherished home. As the eldest sibling, Reyes embraces the responsibility of supporting his loved ones financially, while also setting forth on a quest to discover his life's purpose.