Lionel Messi Admits Dream of Meeting Basketball ‘GOAT' He’s Never Met Before

• Argentina playmakerLionel Messi recently revealed his dream of an iconic former basketball player
• The Inter Miami star said Michael Jordan was top of the list of athletes he would love to meet in the future
• Messi has never crossed paths with the NBA legend, and hopes to take a photo with him one day

Lionel Messi recently showed his 'fanboy' side, admitting he would love to meet NBA legend Michael Jordan.

Despite enjoying immense influence in the world of sports, Messi has somehow failed to cross paths with the former Chicago Bulls star.

He revealed to ESPN Argentina that he was yet to meet Jordan, who slightly edges Lakers star LeBron James in the basketball GOAT debate in many fans’ eyes.

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Messi ranked the former point guard at the top of the list of celebrities he would like to encounter in the near future.

"From the sports world, I would like to have a photo with Jordan. Meet him and take a photo with him," the Inter Miami star said.

It comes as no surprise that Messi is keen on meeting MJ. The former Barcelona star is an avid fan of basketball and has interacted with some of the best players in modern NBA history, including Lakers star LeBron James.

Kevin Prince Boateng, Messi’s former teammate at Barcelona, once narrated how the Argentine enjoyed shooting baskets during his free time.

Notably, the Argentine has hung out with LeBron on multiple occasions, with the latest instance being just before he signed for Inter Miami.

Messi has also shared his admiration for Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry, who once gifted the Argentine his signed shirt in 2015.

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Michael Jordan’s similarities to Messi

Like Messi, Jordan is regarded as the ‘GOAT’ in his respective field.

In his playing days, the former Chicago Bulls star won the NBA six times and was named the NBA’s most valuable player five times.

He was also named the NBA Finals’ MVP six times and his iconic number 23 jersey was retired by the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat, according to the NBA website.

Messi also has numerous individual accolades and has won several league titles throughout his career, including 10 La Ligas and two Ligue 1 championships.

In addition, the Argentine has won the most coveted club trophy in Europe – the Champions League - four times.

Messi speaks on World Cup win

Sports Brief also reported on how the 2022 World Cup win impacted Messi’s career.

The 36-year-old led his nation to glory in Qatar, beating France in an enthralling encounter to win Argentina’s first World Cup since 1986.

Messi’s World Cup triumph came six years after suffering heartbreak in the Copa America final - a result which led him to briefly hang his international boots.