NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes just added another feather to his cap. The 27-year-old won the ESPYS nomination for Best Athlete, Men?s Sport. The professional football quarterback swept the title past some of the greatest and most talented athletes. However, it seems that for the Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce, World Cup winner Lionel Messi outshined all the players.

Pierce recently made an appearance in a popular talk show, It Is What It Is, and made some bold and intriguing revelations. He surprised the fans and people as he chose Messi over 2023 NBA champion Nikola Jokic as well.

Paul Pierce chooses Lionel Messi over Nikola Jokic

During a Q&A segment, the host asked Pierce who he would have chosen for the ESPYS Best Male Athlete. The Celtics legend was asked to pick his favorite among the likes of soccer legend Lionel Messi, NFL icon Patrick Mahomes, MLB great Aaron Judge, and NBA champion and Serbian star, Nikola Jokic.

Appreciating the legend?s talents, he said, ?I am going to pick Messi.? The 10-time All-Star player revealed that he was surprised to realize the Argentinian great’s global fan following.

Pierce also mentioned how he was fascinated to watch Messi getting so much appreciation and love back in his home country. The NBA great added, ?He represented he was the favorite, and this is the World Cup and he cracked.?

By choosing Messi, Pierce ignored Nikola Jokic, who stands as one of the few players in NBA history who won two regular season MVP awards and a championship. The Serbian star had a fantastic season with the Denver Nuggets and spearheaded the franchise to its first-ever NBA championship ring.

Pierce’s answers must have hurt NFL aficionados. But did they have something to cheer upon at the ESPYS Awards?

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NFL fans are over the moon after Patrick Mahomes’ delight

For NFL fans, much to fans’ delight, Mahomes won the best NFL player title. The news just added to the joys of him winning the Best Male Athlete. After Tom Brady, he is the first NFL player to win the title.

Indeed, the win was understandable given the quarterback’s achievement over the year. The 27-year-old led the charts last season in various statistics, including passing yards (5,250), touchdowns (41), and offensive yards (5,614), making him a formidable opponent.

Do you think Patrick Mahomes deserves the title over Messi and the others? Tell us in the comments.

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