“Why Can’t I..?”- Lionel Messi Elucidates His Michael Jordan Obsession After Special Homage

The Michael Jordan of soccer seems to be the greatest Michael Jordan fan out there. Yes, you heard that right. Lionel Messi‘s bucket list includes meeting and greeting the Chicago Bulls legend and taking pictures with him. Besides, the 2022 World Champion also posed like Jordan in a special homage to the NBA icon. In the snippets of Messi’s upcoming interview, the host, Juan Pablo Varsky, asked him to explain why he badly wants a picture with the six-time NBA champion. Here’s how the Inter Miami skipper responded.

“Why do I want a picture with Jordan? They asked me for so many pictures, why can’t I have one with him? He’s the greatest thing ever,” Lionel Messi said explaining why a picture with MJ is important for him. Leo Messi branding His Airness the greatest ever got to be one of the biggest GOAT recognizes GOAT moments in the recent sporting scene. Messi is plying his trade in the US and has crossed paths with the biggest superstars from other sports. So a linkup with Jordan is surely on the cards.

Besides, La Pulga remains a favorite among the NBA royalty as well. Superstars like LeBron James and Jimmy Butler have met and greeted the Argentina skipper in Miami. Anyhow, Messi’s desire to snap a picture with Jordan is only a recent development in the Michael Jordan-Leo Messi storyline. Ever since the former Barcelona megastar came to the US, he has been pipped to be the next Michael Jordan, citing his potential business successes.

Lionel Messi is expected to build a brand as big as Michael Jordan’s

Last year, shortly after Lionel Messi debuted for Inter Miami in a star-studded gala, ex-MLS star Taylor Twellman said Messi wants to be the next Michael Jordan. Twellman pointed out that the Jordan brand’s sponsorship of French giant PSG kits is an example of the NBA’s legend transcending sports. Similarly, Messi with his spectacular on and off-the-field achievements in the US could transcend sports. Taylor Twellman also said that the US can breed and boost Messi’s fame because it hosts mega soccer events such as the ongoing Copa and the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026.

Similar to MJ who built the Jordan brand in partnership with Nike, Leo Messi also runs his brand in partnership with Adidas. Furthermore, a study from last year hinted that Messi could reach $1.5 billion in valuation this year, thanks to the many endorsements he bagged in the US. Considering all this, sports business analysts expect La Pulga to soon breach Michael Jordan’s milestone of raking in more than $5 billion in annual revenue. Well, it is easier said than done. But once Messi retires and dedicates more time to off-court endeavors, it is indeed not beyond him to pull those magic numbers. Share your thoughts on the Messi-MJ storyline in the comments below.