"Mike is going to make him take that Adidas off" - Fans filled with anticipation as Lionel Messi's wish to meet Michael Jordan goes viral

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi may widely be considered the greatest soccer player ever. However, despite his success and celebrity connections, he recently noted that he is still waiting for a chance to meet Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. Messi's revelation sparked anticipation from fans about the two athletic titans' potential to cross paths.

Messi has long been an NBA fan, expressing admiration for the likes of Golden State Warriors and LA Lakers superstars Steph Curry and LeBron James. He has also met and taken photos with James on multiple occasions. That includes ahead of his Inter Miami debut last year.

However, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has yet to meet Jordan, who still edges out James as the NBA's GOAT in many fans' eyes. In a Wednesday interview with ESPN Argentina, Messi shared his wish to do so and take a picture with the six-time NBA champion.

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

Following Messi's declaration, many fans on X/Twitter expressed excitement about potentially seeing an encounter between the two all-time greats.

"GOATs of their sports," @Cee_jayking said.

"My GOAT meeting my GOAT. Nice," @_brittneyraines said.

"GOAT recognizes GOAT," @half_castFCB said.

Meanwhile, others anticipated Messi getting his wish granted after making it public.

"Messi is the world champion, so consider it done before the Copa finishes, or once he's back to Miami," @ImmortalRichy said.

"Don't be surprised if Michael Jordan shows up at an Inter Miami game this season. It's set in destiny," @FCBAlbiceleste said.

However, one fan quipped that Jordan, a longtime Nike partner, may take exception with Messi's Adidas partnership.

"Mike is going to make him take that Adidas off," @blackonthegram said.

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Amid his wish to meet Michael Jordan, Lionel Messi has surpassed Bulls legend as USA's most popular athlete

While Lionel Messi still reveres Michael Jordan, he has already surpassed him as the United States' most popular athlete, according to a February SSRS poll.

In the SSRS's quarterly poll of American sports fans, Messi received just under 5% of the vote, edging out Jordan, the leading vote-getter the previous two quarters. Messi's leading vote total reportedly marked the first time a soccer player has led the way since the research company began polling in 1995.

So, Messi and Jordan potentially meeting up would not only mark an encounter between arguably the GOATs of their sports. It would also signify a crossover between two of America's most popular athletes.

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