WHAT HAPPENED?
Messi is known throughout the world for being one of the greatest players ever to grace soccer, but he has revealed he does take an interest in other sports. The World Cup winner says his move to the United States has led to a new interest in American football and he has other listed his other favorite sports away from his own profession
WHAT MESSI SAID
He told the Big Time Podcast about his favorite sports: “Tennis, padel, basketball, and American football. I’m learning a lot about American football, getting to know it better, and loving it.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Messi’s presence at Inter Miami has already drawn plenty of celebrities and stars from the worlds of tennis and American football to the MLS side. Tennis stars Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa have been gifted Messi shirts after taking in a visit to the club, while NFL players Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase were spotting wearing FC Cincinnati shirts when Messi arrived for a game with Inter Miami last season. Messi’s arrival in the U.S. has prompted more than 1 million people tune in to watch Miami games, numbers only NFL and college football can compete with.
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI
Messi is currently out injured and missed Argentina’s fixtures with Costa Rica and El Salvador over the international break. He is expected to return for Inter Miami’s Champions Cup clash against Monterrey on April 3.
