Lionel Messi has enjoyed an illustrious soccer career. Regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, the striker has won numerous titles and accolades throughout his career. However, among all his accolades, the 2022 FIFA World Cup remains one of the major highlights of his career.
The Argentinian skipper has finally ended his World Cup jinx and brought the prestigious trophy to his homeland. The last time they won the golden trophy was in 1986. Just after Argentina won the trophy that year, the LA Lakers also clinched a major NBA title in 1987. However, these two historic events somehow led to the emergence of a mind-blowing theory that has startled the whole world.
Netizen decodes crazy Argentina and Los Angeles Lakers connection
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Recently, a fan predicted that the LA Lakers might win the 2023 NBA Finals. This may seem unbelievable at first, but we suggest you hear out the man. His theory states that when Diego Maradona-led Argentina won the 1986 World Cup, following that year, the Lakers won the NBA Finals.
And now the fan reckons that since Messi-led Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, there’s a fair chance of the LeBron James-led Lakers winning it. His theory may sound like nonsense at first, but the guy has a point, in fact, with some solid facts. It seems the fan has done his homework properly, as his theory may be right.
1986 World Cup – Argentina
1987 NBA Finals – LA Lakers2022 World Cup – Argentina
2023 NBA Finals – LA Lakers? pic.twitter.com/91vt2onpVl— Sivan John 🇦🇷 ⭐⭐⭐ (@SivanJohn_) May 13, 2023
While Argentina has done its part, the ball is now in the Lakers’ court, who must do everything to win the finals. James’ side recently defeated the Golden State Warriors and is through to the NBA Western Conference Finals. They will be looking to advance further and get their hands on the final trophy.
The theory may also put a smile on the faces of Lakers fans. Either way, if they eventually manage to win the whole thing, James must thank Messi in some way or another, just like he highlighted similarities with the Argentinian back in 2014.
Messi is LeBron James’ “type of player”
Back in 2014, Messi still didn’t have a World Cup to his name. That year, the player was still trying to win the World Cup. Hence, during the round of 16, La Albiceleste met Switzerland. It was quite a nail-biting fixture as neither side was able to score a goal in the 90 minutes, resulting in the game going into extra time.
However, things turned in favor of Argentina as Messi crafted a beautiful pass for his teammate Angel di Maria in the 118th minute. Di Maria made no mistake as he struck the ball back into the net, thus giving his homeland a crucial win. Following the win, LeBron James tweeted about the goal, saying, “Heard Messi made the game winning pass! That’s my type of play/er. Win, loss, draw u make the right play to help your team be successful.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Indeed, it was the right play, as it took Argentina to the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, the last stage of the competition didn’t go well for Messi, as they suffered a poor loss in the final against Germany. However, the trophy did come back to the 35-year-old’s homeland after eight long years of patience.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: From Philippe Coutinho to Eden Hazard: Biggest Transfers of the 21st Century
What’s your take on Argentina’s World Cup journey? Also, let us know your thoughts on the Lakers-Argentina fan theory.