MIAMI – Less than a year after arriving in Major League Soccer (MLS), Lionel Messi is now the most popular player in the United States, according to a survey conducted by Social Science Research Solutions (SSRS). Athletes welcome. Inter Miami is the first footballer to occupy the top spot in the study’s 30-year history.
Messi became America’s favorite athlete last quarter, according to a survey conducted by SSRS researchers and published by the Men in Blazers website.
According to the survey chart, Messi surpassed Michael Jordan in the final quarter of 2023 to become the biggest all-time leader in the survey, which he dominated between 1995 and 2006, but despite his retirement Considered a fan favorite.
Messi also surpassed retired quarterback Tom Brady, who won six Super Bowls with the Patriots and one with the Buccaneers, to become America’s most popular athlete in 2022.
Athletes such as Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry and LeBron James accounted for a quarter of the survey.
history
For 30 years, this SSRS survey has asked Americans to name their favorite professional athletes.
“We’ve asked this question every month for 30 years, but only 7 athletes have been ranked as favorites in a quarter. Here’s an exclusive list: Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning , Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Tom Brady,” the SSRS portal explains.
“In the fourth quarter of 2023 (October to December), Messi surpassed Jordan and Brady and became the first football player to rank first in a single quarter.
“We’ve followed his rise as the most popular athlete over the past decade, but a combination of World Cup victory and a move to the United States helped propel him to the top for the first time.”