"He is the greatest ever" - Lionel Messi names legendary athlete he wants to take photo with

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi named basketball icon Michael Jordan as the one legendary athlete that he would love to take a picture with. He made the claim in a recent episode of the Clank! podcast hosted by Argentine journalist Juan Pablo Varsky.

Jordan is arguably one of the most successful athletes in sporting history. Leading the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990s, he won six National Basketball Association (NBA) titles. He also won five NBA MVP titles and 14 NBA All-Star game selections, among many other accolades.

With the United States national basketball team, he won two Olympic gold medals (Los Angeles 1984 and Barcelona 1992) and the 1992 FIBA AmeriCup. Aside from his sporting legacy, he also has an entire 'Jordan' brand produced by Nike in his name. The signature 'Air Jordan' shoes have become a huge hit worldwide over the years.

His illustrious career has certainly left a lasting impact on and off the court. Hence, it wasn't surprising when Messi picked Jordan as the athlete he would like a picture with. The 37-year-old said (via @AlbicelesteTalk on X):

"Michael Jordan is the greatest ever. After watching his series 'The Last Dance', it's impressive. That brought me much closer to getting to know him. It's a shame I couldn't have experienced that era live because I would have loved to.

"I don't know much about basketball either, but he was something different. I have a great admiration for him. So many people have asked me for photos, why couldn't I ask him for a photo? It would be really nice."

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"I study how the opponent sets up" - Lionel Messi details how he operates off the ball during a game

Argentine maestro Lionel Messi detailed his thought process while walking on the field without the ball at his feet during games. He said that he analyzed the opposition's defensive set-up and the markers before positioning him to profit after his side regained possession.

Messi is known to move slowly out of possession and be almost stationary at times while watching his teammates play the ball around. He subsequently flicks a switch and accelerates his movements to create potentially profitable avenues in attack for his side, usually resulting in a goal.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said on the Clank! podcast hosted by Argentine journalist Juan Pablo Varsky:

"When I walk, I analyze the positioning of the opponent, how we are positioned when we don't have the ball. I'm always attentive to marking assignments, tracking those who are left unmarked. I try to get away from my marker, mentally stepping out of the game to be well-positioned if we regain possession or to have extra time to start a counterattack or play. I study how the opponent sets up when they are attacking."

Messi is currently competing with Argentina at Copa America 2024 where they won their first game 2-0 against Canada. They will next face Chile on June 25.