Sport
“Besides Football, I Love Padel Tennis and Basketball” – Messi
Lionel Messi, the captain of Inter Miami and one of the most legendary names in football, recently shared his love for three other sports.
Known for his incredible skill on the pitch, the Argentine forward holds the record for the most trophies in football history with a stunning 46 titles and has claimed the Ballon d’Or a remarkable eight times.
His journey from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, and now to Inter Miami, has been watched closely by millions who admire his talent and dedication.
During an interview with well-known sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, Messi revealed the sports he enjoys playing outside of football.
While football has always been his main focus, he has a genuine passion for other games as well.
“Besides football,” he explained, “I love padel, tennis, and basketball, but I play padel the most.”
Padel—a sport similar to tennis but played on a smaller, enclosed court—has become increasingly popular among athletes for its fast pace and intense rallies, and it’s clear Messi finds both joy and relaxation in it.
Footballer Lamine Yamal speaks on the Ballon d’Or award and shares how he will still be happy if his teammate, Pau Cubarsí, gets the award.
“Last year, for me, Cubarsí was the best young player in the world. Either the Kopa award or the Ballon d’Or should go to him. There’s no difference between us.
“When I won it, I told him that he would be next. If he doesn’t win it for whatever reason, I will give it to him.”
Popular footballer Cristiano Ronaldo speaks on retirement and shares how he actually thought of retiring from international football after the 2026 World Cup.
“I thought about retiring from international football after the World Cup, but I spoke to the president, coach, and I am still here. I am an asset, I can help.”
He adds, “The young kids love me because they see me as an example, and that, for me, is the most important thing. I will continue to do that even when I retire after 10 years.”
Footballer Kylian Mbappé shares that he actually came close to signing with Liverpool.
“I was close to Liverpool. My mum was a big fan of Jurgen Klopp, and the favourite destination for my mum was Liverpool. She wanted me to go there,” Mbappé told The Athletic.
“I didn’t listen because I wanted to play in my city, Paris. I didn’t want to leave my country before I was someone. But yes, my mum was always saying, ‘Liverpool — you’re going to be there, playing at Anfield, it’s going to be insane for you.’ I was like, ‘OK!’
“All the time we were talking. ‘What do you think, Mum?’ She’d say, ‘For me, you have to go to Liverpool.’ I said, ‘OK, OK, OK!’ because Jurgen Klopp was an amazing manager. I met him and had a wonderful relationship with him. I had big respect for him.”
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