Lionel Messi (PC: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi has become America’s most popular athlete. After joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Messi left a deep impression in the United States. Since then, competitions such as Major League Soccer and the League Cup have begun to come into focus. Messi is now America’s most popular athlete despite being in Major League Soccer for less than a year, according to a new poll from Social Science Research Solutions (SSRS).
Lionel Messi surpasses Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tom Brady and others to become the most popular athlete in the United States
It was only a matter of time before Lionel Messi surpassed legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tom Brady and more to become America’s most popular athlete. After spending time in Miami, Messi has become the most popular athlete among Americans. It’s an incredible accomplishment, especially considering he ranks ahead of Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Tom Brady. Incidentally, the Argentinian star became the first player to top the list in the survey’s thirty-year history.
The United States now has Lionel Messi as its most valuable asset. When it comes to national appeal, the veteran excels. He beat several experienced athletes to come out on top. Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, the late Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, LeBron James and Tom Brady. Most of these names are now NFL and NBA legends, but Tiger Woods took golf to new heights.
Social Science Research Solutions (SSRS) is a leading sports research company that conducts quarterly polls. Football has traditionally struggled to gain popularity, according to the SSRS Sports Poll. Since 1994, they’ve been asking Americans to vote for their favorite professional athletes.
Messi still leads the electoral roll despite receiving just over five percent of the vote in recent polls. Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan has been America’s most popular athlete for the past two quarters. He received less than five percent of the vote in each election.
On Lionel Messi’s career commitments
Messi’s Inter Miami team will arrive in Los Angeles this weekend for a highly anticipated Sunday night showdown with the Galaxy. Both clubs finished second from bottom in their respective MLS divisions. The biggest draw is Lionel Messi, as the sport continues to grow in popularity wherever the Argentinian star goes. There is also interest in his all-star supporting cast, which includes Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The Miami Heat defeated Real Salt Lake City 2-0 at home in the season opener on Wednesday.