Lionel Messi Calls American Football His ‘Favorite Sport After Soccer’ & Admits Enjoying the NFL

USA Today via Reuters

An imagination of Lionel Messi and clips of mesmerizing soccer skills immediately spring to mind. Over two illustrious decades, the Argentine maestro has become synonymous with the beautiful game. Yet, just as we figured out Messi’s sporting inclinations, he surprised us once more. Who knew the icon’s interest would transcend the boundary of soccer? In a fascinating revelation, he claims to be ‘learning a lot about American football.’ 

Beyond living the American dream since his MLS move, it looks like the 36-year-old is embracing the sporting civilizations as well. During the MBC’s Big Time Podcast, when asked about his favorite sport after soccer or as many term it as football in Europe, Lionel Messi listed not one but over four sports. He said, “Tennis, padel, basketball, and also American football. I am learning a lot about American football and have come to understand it more and enjoying it”. Yes, you read that correctly, American football!

It appears that the World Cup winner is intrigued by the other form of football, as he fervently expressed his interest in the NFL. His statement certainly bridges the worlds of both types. Speaking of other sports, Messi playing basketball is a typical scene. The former Barcelona player has often been witnessed making remarkable basketball free-throws and even posts himself balling on his social networks. Similarly, the 8x Ballon d’Or winner once tried his luck in padel, which even propelled him to say, “I like to play padel tennis.” 

In fact, his long-term arch-rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, earlier made a $5,360,000 investment in the growing sport played by 25,000,000 athletes. However, coming back, even though Messi arrived in a country where American football has been generationally revered more than soccer, it didn’t take him long to turn the tables around.

Lionel Messi elevated US soccer to the top, surpassing the NFL!

On Wednesday, March 13th, Inter Miami dominated Google searches in the USA with over 200,000 searches, thanks to their CONCACAF Champions League clash against Nashville. This achievement is even more remarkable considering the NFL Free Agency and the UEFA Champions League games began on the same date. Thanks to Lionel Messi’s presence, Miami is reaping the fruits of his global dominance.

It’s truly remarkable to witness the influence of No. 10, as it propelled soccer ahead of the NFL. Attendance-wise the Herons’ games have audience numbers of more than ever before! Amid building a whole new section of the fanbase for the beautiful game, for now, he has just expressed his love for games, including American football, tennis, and basketball. Imagine if he were to play any of them professionally.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.