Lionel Messi reveals Michael Jordan admiration and NBA icon dream

The Inter Miami star, one of the greatest ever soccer players, has explained why the Chicago Bulls star is on his bucket list.

While the debate on the greatest ever sportsperson will likely rumble on forever, there can be little doubt that Lionel Messi and Michael Jordan, two of the most successful and influential in recent times, are part of the conversation.

The Inter Miami star gave his credentials a considerable boost after leading Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, having previously won everything there was to win at club level during his time with Barcelona. Yet even in the world of soccer, there are those who believe Diego Maradona, or Pele, or Cristiano Ronaldo to be the number one.

For many, Jordan is the greatest the NBA has ever seen. The former Chicago Bull won six NBA Championship rings, was named NBA MVP on five occasions and played in 13 All-Star Games. On top of all that, he also won two Olympic gold medals with the United States.

MJ photo on Messi’s bucket list

Game recognising game is certainly nothing new, and Messi has revealed in an exclusive interview with Star+ and ESPN that one of the things he still has on his bucket list is to have his photo taken with Jordan.

“I’ve been lucky enough meet a lot of important people, but from the sports world, I would like to meet Michael Jordan and get a photo with him,” confessed the Argentine star.

It turns out even some of the very best dream of meeting their idols, just like the rest of us mere mortals. Although you suspect that Messi, already one of the most important figures in US sporting history, won’t have to wait too long for it to happen.