Lionel Messi: Michael Jordan is the greatest athlete of all time.

On the Clank! podcast, Lionel Messi lauds Michael Jordan as the greatest athlete of all time.

In a recent episode of the Clank! podcast with Argentine journalist Juan Pablo Varsky, Lionel Messi expressed deep admiration for Michael Jordan, calling him the greatest athlete of all time.

“In my opinion, in terms of sports, he’s the greatest ever… But after watching his series, ‘The Last Dance,’ and learning more about him, it just blows your mind. It’s a masterpiece, truly impressive.”

“That series brought me closer to him and helped me understand more about who he was. It’s a shame I couldn’t experience that era firsthand because I would have loved it. Honestly, I don’t know much about basketball or follow it closely, but I think he was exceptional in all sports, not just basketball.”

“And well, I have a huge admiration for him. And since so many people have asked me for photos, I couldn’t get one with him, it would be something nice.”

Messi highlighted Jordan’s unparalleled impact on sports, stating that Jordan’s influence transcends basketball and extends to the entire sports world. He emphasized that Jordan’s achievements and legacy have set him apart as an extraordinary figure in athletic history.

Reflecting on “The Last Dance,” the documentary series about Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls, Messi called it a masterpiece that offered profound insights into Jordan’s character and career. He admitted that the series gave him a deeper appreciation for Jordan’s greatness and left him in awe of the basketball legend.

Messi expressed regret over not having experienced Jordan’s era firsthand, lamenting that he couldn’t witness Jordan’s dominance in person. Despite not being an avid basketball fan, Messi recognized Jordan’s exceptional talent and the significant impact he made on the sport and beyond.

The Argentine football star also shared a personal story about how he’s often asked to take photos with fans but has never had the chance to take one with Jordan. He expressed that meeting Jordan and capturing that moment would be incredibly meaningful to him, given his admiration for the basketball icon.

Messi’s tribute to Jordan underscores the universal respect and admiration Jordan commands from athletes across different sports.

Both Messi and Jordan have reached legendary status in their fields, and Messi’s acknowledgment of Jordan’s greatness highlights how true excellence in sports transcends individual disciplines.

This expression of respect from one of the greatest footballers of all time to one of the greatest basketball players underscores the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan. His impact on sports and popular culture continues to inspire and resonate with athletes and fans worldwide, solidifying his position as a transcendent figure in the history of sports.

How Do Their Resumes Compare?

When comparing the careers of Michael Jordan and Lionel Messi, we are looking at two of the greatest athletes in their respective sports. Both have reached legendary status, and their achievements distinguish them as icons in basketball and soccer.

Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player ever. His NBA accomplishments are unmatched. Jordan is a six-time NBA champion, earning NBA Finals MVP in each of those six championship runs. He won the regular season MVP award five times and was selected to the All-Star team 14 times, winning three All-Star Game MVP awards.

Jordan’s dominance on both offense and defense is evident with his 10 All-NBA First Team selections and nine NBA All-Defensive First Team honors. He led the league in scoring 10 times, holds the highest career scoring average in NBA history at 30.1 points per game, and an even higher average of 33.4 points per game in the playoffs.

Additionally, Jordan was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1988 and won an NCAA championship with the University of North Carolina in 1982. His flawless 6-0 record in the NBA Finals, never requiring a Game 7, solidifies his legacy as the ultimate winner in basketball.

Lionel Messi’s achievements in soccer might be even more impressive. Throughout his illustrious career, Messi has played in 1,065 games, scoring 837 goals and providing 373 assists. He averages a goal every 105 minutes and a goal contribution every 72 minutes, showcasing his consistent impact on the field.

Messi’s trophy cabinet is overflowing with accolades: he is a 4-time Champions League winner, a 10-time La Liga champion, and a 7-time Copa del Rey winner. Additionally, he has won the Spanish Supercup seven times, the FIFA Club World Cup three times, the UEFA Super Cup three times, and has two Ligue 1 titles.

Internationally, Messi has finally captured the elusive FIFA World Cup, along with a Copa America and the Conmebol-UEFA Cup of Champions.

Individually, Messi’s accolades are astounding. He is a record 8-time Ballon d’Or winner, recognizing him as the best player in the world multiple times. He has also won the FIFA World Player of the Year award six times and the European Golden Shoe six times.

Messi has been named the best player of the FIFA World Cup twice, further solidifying his status as a global icon.

His 2022 World Cup win with Argentina arguably places him ahead of rivals like Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele, and Maradona in the greatest of all-time debates.

While both Michael Jordan and Lionel Messi have incredible resumes filled with team success and individual accolades, their greatness transcends their sports. Jordan’s dominance in basketball and Messi’s supremacy in soccer make them unparalleled legends, each with a compelling case for being considered the greatest athlete of all time in their respective fields.

Regardless of who the GOAT of sports may be, they have undeniably established themselves as the greatest in their respective sports.