Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is having another stellar soccer season. Messi's production has his club ranked first in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. Many consider Messi to be one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Yet, the Inter Miami star gave an eye-opening GOAT take on another legend: former Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan.

Messi not only sees Jordan as a basketball great but as a great across all sports.

“It seems to me, in terms of sports, he’s the greatest there is… But after having seen his series and getting to know a bit more about him, you know, ‘The Last Dance’, it just blows your mind, it’s a masterpiece, it’s impressive. Well, that also brought me closer to him and to understand a bit more about who he was. It’s a pity that I couldn’t live through that era in person, because I would’ve loved it,” Messi said, via Hoops Hype.

Lionel Messi was highly impressed with Jordan's “Last Dance” documentary which showed his journey with the Bulls during his time in the NBA. With all Jordan accomplished, the Inter Miami star's take is fitting.

Michael Jordan won six NBA championships with Chicago, was a five-time MVP, made the All-NBA team 11 times, and was a 14-time All-Star. In addition, made the All-Defensive team nine times, was a 10-time scoring champ, and a three-time steals champ. Jordan was known as one of the most competitive players ever. He left a truly unforgettable legacy with the Bulls.

Lionel Messi's GOAT take on Jordan is ironic, considering soccer fans consider the Inter Miami star to be a GOAT himself. Surely, Messi's praises mean a lot to Jordan, but the soccer star is not the only one giving Jordan props.

Lionel Messi's GOAT praise extends beyond himself 

Several players and athletes have claimed Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player ever. Dwyane Wade is one such player to offer Jordan the honor.

“My GOAT has always been Michael Jordan,” Wade said in July of 2023. “Look at the way I played, I tried to emulate Michael Jordan… I had other players that was my favorite, like Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant… These are all GOATs in my eyes. To me, it's hard to call one GOAT. It's a room of GOATs. Michael Jordan is in that room. One of my friends, LeBron James, is in that room.”

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic also agrees with Wade's take on Jordan. However, some players believe the GOAT debate is more ambiguous than definite. Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry explained why the question is hard to answer.

“I can say I'm the best, and Magic can defend his position, and any other point guard can chime in. It's the beautiful thing about basketball and the eras,” Curry said in October of 2023.

“If you're in that conversation, no matter what era you're from, no matter what your style of play was, whatever it is, if you’re in that conversation, then it’s a job well done,” Curry added.