While the debate on the greatest ever sportsperson will likely rumble on forever, there can be little doubt that Lionel Messi and Michael Jordan, two of the most successful and influential figures in recent times, are part of the conversation.
Lionel Messi, currently starring for Inter Miami, recently enhanced his legendary status by leading Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This triumph adds to an already illustrious career, where he won every major title at the club level with Barcelona. Despite his achievements, the soccer world still debates whether Messi, Diego Maradona, Pelé, or Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the title of the greatest of all time.
On the other hand, Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest player in NBA history. The former Chicago Bulls star boasts an incredible resume, including six NBA Championship rings, five NBA MVP awards, and 13 All-Star Game appearances. Additionally, Jordan secured two Olympic gold medals with Team USA, further solidifying his legacy.
In an exclusive interview with Star+ and ESPN, Messi revealed his admiration for Jordan and disclosed a personal dream: to have his photo taken with the NBA legend. “I’ve been lucky enough to meet a lot of important people, but from the sports world, I would like to meet Michael Jordan and get a photo with him,” the Argentine star confessed.
Messi’s revelation underscores the universal appeal of sporting icons and the mutual respect that transcends different sports. Despite his own monumental achievements, Messi, like many fans, still has idols he looks up to. This desire to meet Jordan highlights the human aspect of even the greatest athletes, showing that they too have dreams and aspirations similar to those of ordinary people.
Given Messi’s significant status in the world of sports, especially in the United States, it seems likely that his dream of meeting Michael Jordan will come true sooner rather than later. The meeting between these two legendary figures would undoubtedly be a historic moment, celebrating the impact they’ve had on their respective sports and inspiring fans worldwide.