Basketball legend Steve Nash has made a bold statement about Inter Miami star Lionel Messi. The NBA Hall of Famer has declared Messi as the greatest footballer to ever play the game. Nash didn't hold back his admiration, describing the Argentine forward as simply "unbelievable."
"This guy is unbelievable. For me, the greatest player to ever play the game," Nash told Flashscore. "He is still scoring a million goals and making highlights and has brought such an incredible lens or attention to the MLS."
Messi has been nothing short of spectacular since joining Inter Miami in 2023. His impact in Major League Soccer has been immediate and profound. The 36-year-old has netted an impressive 36 goals while providing 20 assists in just 42 appearances for the Florida-based club.
Messi's Trophy Collection Grows in America
The Argentine maestro hasn't just been scoring goals – he's been collecting silverware too. Messi led Inter Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup trophy in his debut season. He followed that up by helping the team secure the Supporters' Shield in 2024.
These achievements didn't go unrecognized. The league awarded Messi the 2024 MLS MVP title, even though Inter Miami fell short of winning the MLS Cup. This individual honor highlights how dominant he's been in American soccer.
Nash, who knows a thing or two about sporting excellence, seemed particularly impressed by Messi's continued brilliance. "What a feather in the cap of the league to have perhaps the greatest player of all time in your league and still scoring goals," he added.
Impact Beyond the Pitch
Messi's arrival has transformed the betting landscape around MLS matches. Inter Miami games now attract significantly more betting interest than before, with bookmakers often listing them as heavy favorites when Messi features in the lineup.
For bettors, Messi's consistency presents interesting opportunities. His goal-scoring record makes him a prime candidate for goalscorer markets, while his playmaking abilities also boost odds for high-scoring games.
Nash specifically mentioned how Messi has elevated the profile of MLS globally. "He has brought such an incredible lens or attention to the MLS," the basketball icon noted. This increased attention has translated into more viewers, more fans, and naturally, more betting activity.
Nash also referenced Messi's World Cup triumph with Argentina, which preceded his MLS move. "Just coming off the back of a World Cup," Nash said, highlighting how Messi arrived in America having achieved football's ultimate prize.
When a two-time NBA MVP like Steve Nash calls you the greatest ever, it carries significant weight. For Messi fans, it's further confirmation of what they've long believed. And for MLS, having such a transcendent talent still performing at an elite level remains a massive win for American soccer.
