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Inter Miami co-president Xavier Asensi has compared Lionel Messi to NBA legend Michael Jordan while describing the Argentine's impact on the Major League Soccer (MLS). During a recent debate at the College of Economists of Catalonia, Asensi said (via intermiami.news):
"For MLS there is a before and after Messi. He has changed everything. People can be from any team, but they go to the field to see Messi. He is the only example comparable to Jordan.”
Earlier this year, FC Dallas president Dan Hunt had put in a similar comparison between Messi and Jordan, stating how inspiring the Argentine star can be to the next generation.
Usually, in the footballing world, Lionel Messi's comparison has always been drawn with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has shared the stage for almost two decades with the Argentine. However, now six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan's contribution to basketball and his global fame are now being likened to the contributions of Messi in football as well.
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, a side co-owned by former English footballer David Beckham, in 2023. He has played a crucial role in the team's performance and also in their success, contributing 30 goals and 17 assists in 35 appearances so far. A few weeks back, Inter Miami secured the Supporters' Shield after winning the Leagues Cup last season.
Lionel Messi has achieved everything a footballer can dream of
In a career, which started prematurely in 2005, and is still ongoing, Lionel Messi has won 46 titles - the most titles won by a footballer. His most notable international accolades are the FIFA World Cup which he won in 2022, and the Copa America, which he won on two occasions - 2021 and 2024.
Speaking of club football, he has lifted the UEFA Champions League four times, the La Liga on 10 occasions, the FIFA Club World Cup thrice and the French Ligue 1 title twice during his stay at Paris Saint-Germain.
Moreover, the 37-year-old has won the prestigious Ballon d'Or a record eight times. The only player close to this number is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five. Additionally, he is also a four-time recipient of the Best FIFA Men's Player.
His contract at Inter Miami runs out in December 2025. However, the board is yet to hand him a new deal. Maybe as he enters the last year in his contract, the stakeholders will offer him a new deal to ensure Inter Miami flourish under his leadership.
