Lionel Messi Names His Ultimate Football GOAT, Compares Him to Michael Jordan and Tennis Legends
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has declared late football icon Diego Maradona as his undisputed GOAT (Greatest of All Time), placing the Argentine legend above all others in football history.
In a recent interview obtained by PulseNets, Messi drew parallels between Maradona’s influence in football and Michael Jordan’s dominance in basketball, noting that both figures defined eras and inspired generations across the globe.
Diego Maradona at World Cup 1986
“For us, Maradona was the greatest idol and a source of admiration for everything he represented,” Messi told PulseNets, reflecting on the deep emotional bond Argentines have with the late World Cup winner.
Michael Jordan
The Argentina national team captain further explained that although he was too young to witness Maradona’s prime years, his impact was timeless.
“Even though I was little and didn’t get to see much of him play live, Diego transcended everything,” Messi said. “It was the same with Jordan in basketball — his legacy is bigger than the game itself.”
Messi also spoke of his admiration for tennis greats Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, describing them as athletes whose consistency and mental strength have shaped modern sports excellence.
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic
“I also admire tennis players like Federer, Rafa, and Djokovic. What they’ve achieved through discipline and longevity is incredible,” he told PulseNets.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s remarks once again highlight how deeply he values Maradona’s influence, not just as a footballer but as a cultural symbol of passion, artistry, and resilience — qualities that continue to define Argentine football identity.
