"In terms of sports, he’s the greatest there is" - When Lionel Messi hailed NBA icon Michael Jordan as the GOAT

Lionel Messi has hailed NBA legend Michael Jordan as the greatest of all time in sports. The Argentine is often considered the best to have played football but put the basketball icon ahead of him.

In an interview with Argentine journalist Juan Pablo Varsky on the Clank! podcast in June 2024, Messi hailed Jordan as the greatest across sports.

"It seems to me, in terms of sports, he’s (Michael Jordan) the greatest there is. But after having seen his series and getting to know a bit more about him, you know, 'The Last Dance', it just blows your mind, it’s a masterpiece. It’s impressive." Leo said.

The Argentine icon also mentioned that he would loved to have been in Jordana's era and witnessed his iconic career for himself. For context, the NBA icon was active between 1984 to 2003 in the NBA, winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls.

"Well, that (watching MJ's documentary) also brought me closer to him and to understand a bit more about who he was. It’s a pity that I couldn’t live through that era in person, because I would’ve loved it." added Messi.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi completed football by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina in Qatar. He has a legendary career, winning a record eight Ballon d'Or awards and a record 45 titles with club and country following his latest success at the 2024 Copa America.

He has won four trophies with Argentina, with the rest coming with Barcelona, PSG and his current side Inter Miami.

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Lionel Messi wants to meet Michael Jordan and click a photo with him

In an earlier interview with ESPN, Lionel Messi said that Michael Jordan is the only one from the world of sports he would like to meet and click a photo with.

“I’ve been fortunate to meet many important and well-known people, especially in the world of sports. But continuing in that realm, I would love to have a photo with Jordan and meet him." Messi said.

Michael Jordan is widely considered one of the most influential sportspersons in the world and is credited for popularising basketball in the world during the 80s and 90s. He won the NBA Championship three consecutive times, in 1991, 1992 and 1993, completing a historic three-peat.

After a short break from basketball, MJ returned to the sport, leading the Chicago Bulls to yet another three-peat in 1996, 1997 and 1998.

Meanwhile, following Lionel Messi's transfer to Inter Miami, several celebrities in the United States were spotted in the Chase Stadium to watch the Argentine in action. As he's now based in the US, Messi's dream of meeting MJ and clicking a photo with him could become a reality.