Pelé, Maradona… And now Messi in Mexico!

There are unexpected, atypical, unthinkable things. And then there’s the fact that the Concacaf Champions League (a tournament that has been disregarded for years) will bring Lionel Messi to our country for the first time in history in an official match.

Since his incorporation with Inter Miami was made official, the possibilities increased, and the desires for Messi and the Florida team to visit Mexico in one of these joint tournaments finally become a reality.

Who would have even imagined it?

In December 2022, Messi was lifting the World Cup, and in just over 15 months, he will be playing for a spot in the Champions Cup semifinals in Monterrey.

Life and sports are full of surprises. This, definitely, is one of the most unexpected.

It’s true, Messi had already visited our country on previous occasions, but in all of them for promotional events or tribute matches. Never in an official match situation and of such relevance.

And I’m not necessarily referring to winning the Central American Champions League as a goal for the Argentine, but to the reward that this could bring him. Returning to the global elite!

Let’s not look any further. Messi left Europe for good, and the last chance we’ll have to see him against elite teams will be at the 2025 Club World Cup, which will debut a new format and bring together the best teams in the world.

Attractive? Definitely yes. The same reason why Messi won’t face the match against Rayados as just another one, but as one of real importance in pursuit of achieving that objective.

The greatest athlete in history to set foot in our country?

Well, this is definitely very adventurous to assert. If we start listing the world-class stars who have visited us, we will immediately mention Pelé and Maradona, who not only had the extra of not only being here for a few days, but for several weeks and retired with a World Cup in their hands

If we step outside of football, the visits of Michael Jordan could certainly enter the debate of figures who have set foot on our territory. However, the impact definitely diminishes as he didn’t do so on the courts (or on the diamond) since legend has it that after his professional retirement in 1994, Jordan was in talks to join the Pacific League with the Mexicali Eagles. The deal didn’t materialize, and later he returned to the courts to further his career with the Chicago Bulls.

This list cannot overlook what some consider the greatest star in NFL history. Tom Brady filled Estadio Azteca in 2017 to play an official game against the Raiders. And in 2019, it was Mahomes’ turn, who could be part of the debate among the greatest of all time in the coming years.

And the list can go on; Roger Federer in an exhibition match at Plaza México. Rafa Nadal and his multiple participations in the Mexican Open tennis tournament.

In motorsports, the list is long. Senna, Schumacher. Hamilton, and the name of Max Verstappen could certainly be mentioned.

And what about Tiger Woods? He also appeared in our country to participate in the World Golf Championship.

To be honest, and having reviewed this list, the truth is that the Mexican people have been fortunate because they have enjoyed the top of the world’s sports.

These are some of the most renowned athletes who have set foot in our country in various competitions, and Messi will join this select group. And attention, if he advances to the next round, his return could come very soon in the semifinals in a hypothetical match against Tigres at the Volcán stadium.

It’s no secret that the end of the Argentine superstar’s career is drawing nearer. For some, he’s the best in the world, for others, he’s not, but what no one can argue is that we’re talking about the player with the most titles in the history of this sport.

I have no doubt that it will cause complete madness when he visits Monterrey in the coming days, as there will be few who can boast to their future generations that they saw Lionel Messi play

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