Explained: How Lionel Messi plans to become ‘the next Michael Jordan’ as Inter Miami star builds ‘brand’ to rival that of NBA icon
Lionel Messi wants to become “the next Michael Jordan”, says Taylor Twellman, with the Inter Miami superstar building a “brand” to rival the NBA icon.
WHAT HAPPENED? The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is already one of the most recognisable names on the planet, with his celebrity status transcending the chosen profession that has served him so well. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward is looking to cement that status by chasing the American dream in MLS, with a spell in the United States allowing him to tap into a completely new market. Ex-USMNT star Twellman believes a move to Florida forms part of a much bigger project for Messi, with the 2022 World Cup winner eager to rival Chicago Bulls legend Jordan when it comes to power and longevity in the global sports market.
WHAT THEY SAID: Twellman has told The Mirror: “The Messi people in the group have asked the question for the last two or three years, ‘How can Lionel Messi become the next Michael Jordan?’ And people over here don’t understand what that means. PSG wore the Jordan brand, that is a basketball player in the United States that transcends sport, Michael Jordan. Messi’s people have asked the question, ‘ How can he become the next Michael Jordan?’ The only place to do that is the United States of America. They know that. The World Cup’s there in 2026, Copa America is there in 2024. Apple TV’s got the documentary along with Major League Soccer events. He and his family want to live in Miami. A lot of that was lined up for him and his people to answer that question or how he becomes the next Michael Jordan.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Twellman added on the business angle driving Messi’s move to Miami, with major competitions set to descend on America over the
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