Lionel Messi’s move to the United States has sparked a broader interest in sports beyond the football pitch. Speaking at the American Business Forum in Miami, the Inter Miami captain shared how his relocation has opened new avenues of sporting enjoyment, especially through his children’s school activities. “My kids at school play American football, and through them, I started learning more about the game, so now I follow almost everything in general,” Messi said.
Padel Takes the Spotlight
Among the sports Messi now follows closely, padel stands out. A fusion of tennis and squash, padel has surged in popularity across Europe and Latin America. Messi’s admiration for the sport aligns with its cultural roots, particularly in Spain and Argentina. “I love all sports, I love watching them,” he said. “Since coming to Miami, I have learned more about American football in particular because I was already following sports like basketball, tennis, and padel.”
American Football Finds a New Fan
Messi’s growing interest in American football marks a shift in his viewing habits. Previously limited to the Super Bowl, his engagement now includes the regular NFL season. “As for American football, we used to watch only the Super Bowl game, but now I have started following the regular season of the NFL,” he added. This change reflects how his family’s integration into American culture has influenced his own sporting preferences.
Embracing a New Chapter
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has continued to shine in Major League Soccer. Yet, his openness to exploring new sports reveals a personal evolution. Whether it’s the fast-paced rallies of padel or the strategic plays of American football, Messi’s enthusiasm for sport remains as vibrant off the field as it is on it.
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