“I Have Seen Michael Jordan Once & This..”: The Lionel Messi Effect Takes Over LA as Emotional Fans Join LeBron James, Magic Johnson & A-List Stars

There have been a few names in the NBA who could pull a massive crowd for their games. The one that tops the list is Michael Jordan. The 6x NBA champion single-handedly managed to attract millions. Decades later, we are witnessing the same effect, but in the soccer world. Argentinian icon Lionel Messi has made an impressive resume already with Inter Miami FC. However, the highlight is not just his playmaking inside the field, but the effect that is seen in the stands as well. Looks like any Messi match becomes that city’s biggest attraction.

Things were even more special this time. With some of the most influential stars in America watching the match, a fan who made an appearance with his mom grabbed the spotlight by giving an apt explanation about the scenes at the BMO stadium. 

Lionel Messi brings in the Michael Jordan effect

When was the last time you saw NBA veterans like LeBron James, Magic Johnson, James Harden, etc. pull up for a soccer game? Never! Every common man in America wants to witness the magic of Messi, now that he plays for Miami. Apart from the above NBA superstars, plenty of other celebrities from various industries joined the crowd to witness Messi. 

In a celebrity list released by a few insiders, famous stars such as Selena Gomez, Nas, Tobey Maguire, Tom Holland, Meghan Markle, Ed Norton, Tyga, etc. made their appearances at the BMO stadium. Well, these are just a few from the list, and it still has a dozen more names. 

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Amid a star-studded crowd like this, a fan took the time to explain the scenes at the stadium accurately. He shared with excitement, “I’m a LAFC supporter but my mom today is supporting Messi. He continues. I have seen Michael Jordan once and this is the same feeling that I’m having before watching Messi.” 

Now you may understand why Messi is being compared to NBA GOAT Michael Jordan time and again. 

What do the netizens think about the Messi effect? 

Well, it’s no different. However, a few believe Messi has more magic on the court than Jordan did. One fan wrote, “Growing up watching Michael Jordan play, I felt fulfilled knowing that I got the chance to watch greatness LIVE. Didn’t think I would ever enjoy sports the way I did back then. But watching every game Messi plays in, is even more mind blowing.”

Inter Miami won 3-1 against LAFC. Jordi Alba, Leonardo Campana, and Facundo Farias scored one goal each. 

Though Messi did not score a goal, the crowd went electric every time the ball touched his feet. 

Messi could have made the night even more special for such a star-studded crowd with a goal. Nevertheless, he did have two assists.

The effect is indeed similar to Michael Jordan. So, is the playmaking. Messi is yet to lose a game with Miami! 

All things considered, Lionel Messi is the new Michael Jordan, according to many. What do you think about it? Please share it in the comments below. 

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