A notable addition to Paris Saint-Germain star, Lionel Messi’s fanbase is NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal, who in an interview expressed his admiration and deep respect for the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.
Lionel Messi and Shaquille O’Neal possess contrasting physical characteristics. Shaquille O’Neal, known for his dominating presence on the court, utilizes his massive stature to overpower opponents. On the other hand, despite standing at under six feet, Messi is renowned for his exceptional skills and is widely regarded as the most skilled player in the history of the game. He effectively outmaneuvers and mesmerizes his opponents with his flamboyant dribbling abilities.
Shaquille O’Neal praises Lionel Messi
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Despite being a sporting icon in his own right, Shaquille O’Neal is an avid sports enthusiast. During an interview with TYC Sports, the renowned basketball player, often referred to as the Big Diesel, showered Lionel Messi with high praise and admiration.
Shaquille O’Neal expressed his profound admiration for Lionel Messi, stating, “I would like to tell you that I love you, brother. You are the best, and it will be a pleasure to get to know you.” The basketball legend unequivocally hailed Messi as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in his field. He also expressed a strong desire to meet the soccer icon, acknowledging that very few people in the world would pass up the opportunity to greet the FC Barcelona legend. It was truly heartening to witness a prominent figure like Shaquille O’Neal lavishing praise on an icon from a different sport. Currently, Messi is a member of the French club Paris Saint-Germain.
Shaquille O’Neal to Messi via @TyCSports: “I would like to tell you that I love you, brother. You are the best and it will be a pleasure to get to know you.” 🗣️🏀 pic.twitter.com/IXAWOSHxo8
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) May 25, 2023
Lionel Messi recently made headlines due to securing a lucrative financial deal with a club based in the Middle East.
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Lionel Messi offered a mammoth deal
According to reports, Lionel Messi has received a staggering offer of $438 million from a Saudi Arabian club called Al Hilal. If he accepts this contract, Messi will become the highest-paid athlete in the league, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo, whose earnings currently stand at an impressive $220 million. If the deal goes through, Messi will be earning nearly twice as much as his long-time rival Ronaldo. The soccer world eagerly awaits further developments in the coming weeks to see how this situation unfolds.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Charles Barkley dismantles Shaquille O’Neal on live television.
If given a chance would you like to meet Lionel Messi? Let us know in the comments.