Lionel Messi is closing in on a new deal with Inter Miami that could keep him in MLS beyond his 40th birthday, while UFC icon Jorge Masvidal claims the Argentine’s “God-given” talent could have made him a star in mixed martial arts.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
Masvidal, a South Florida resident, has kept a close eye on Messi since his move to the Herons in 2023. He told BetIdeas: “Messi is a phenomenal athlete… with his mindset and athletic gifts, if he pursued MMA, I’m sure he could do some things.”
Messi’s arrival has helped transform soccer’s profile in Miami, with ticket prices soaring and mini-pitches packed across the city. Masvidal added: “It was only right that Messi came here. He gave us more validation, the stamp of approval that we’re the best in the nation at soccer.”
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
The 38-year-old remains a leading figure for club and country, with Argentina preparing to defend their World Cup crown in 2026. Messi is also steering Inter Miami into the MLS play-offs, with three regular season games left, starting at home to New England Revolution on Saturday.
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Meanwhile, former boxing champion Amir Khan has jokingly suggested that Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could one day swap boots for gloves, saying: “That would be a great fight. I’d buy a ticket for that.”