Patrick Mahomes stands on the brink of history, hoping to deliver another championship to Kansas City. Yet this season, there’s a twist: Lionel Messi, whom Mahomes calls “the GOAT of his profession,” might be in the crowd. It’s a rare intersection of two sports icons and an even rarer opportunity for Mahomes to shine in front of someone he has long admired.
He still remembers meeting Messi for the first time. “I just met Messi the other day, I was so nervous,” Mahomes recounted. “I was hoping it would happen naturally.” The encounter occurred when Messi was in Kansas for a match last season.
Messi scored and assisted that day, and Mahomes saw firsthand the consistency and composure that have made Messi a global phenomenon.
One meeting, many emotions
Now, as the Chiefs chase another title, Mahomes is eager for the chance to play for Messi this time.
“He’s the GOAT of his profession and to have someone like that at the game, it will be awesome because I’ll get to showcase who I am and what talent I have,” Mahomes said. He’s quick to note that professional athletes, no matter their sport, share a mutual respect for dedication and excellence. Even as he battles pressure from the opposing defense, Mahomes hopes to channel the same calm Messi exhibits on the soccer pitch.
Messi’s schedule could be tight—he’s expected to travel after a preseason match. Still, Mahomes believes that just knowing the soccer legend might be watching provides extra motivation. The spotlight is on American football’s biggest stage, and there’s a thrill in the possibility that two of the most celebrated players in modern sports could occupy the same stadium.
In the end, Mahomes says, it’s not about overshadowing Messi or any other star. It’s about performing at a championship level and living up to the standards set by legends in every sport. If Messi arrives, Mahomes wants him to see something special: a quarterback who understands that greatness demands composure, skill, and a deep respect for those who paved the way in stadiums across the globe.
