Lionel Messi Considering Super Bowl Attendance Amid Tight Schedule
As Patrick Mahomes continues his pursuit of NFL GOAT status, another legendary figure—Lionel Messi—could be in attendance at Super Bowl LVIII in New Orleans on Sunday.
A source close to the Inter Miami star told USA TODAY Sports that Messi wants to attend the game but is still unsure if his schedule will allow it.
Messi’s Tight Schedule: Can He Make It?
Messi is set to play a preseason match with Inter Miami in Honduras at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday. However, given the team’s habit of flying home immediately after road games, travel logistics could work in his favor.
- Honduras to Miami: ~2-hour flight
- Miami to New Orleans: ~2-hour flight
If Messi returns to South Florida overnight, he could easily travel to New Orleans on Sunday, making a Super Bowl appearance possible.
Mahomes on Messi: ‘The GOAT of His Profession’
Mahomes was asked about Messi potentially attending the Super Bowl rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.
“[Messi is] the GOAT of his profession. To have someone like that at the game would be awesome. I get to showcase who I am and what talent that I have,” Mahomes said.
He recalled watching Messi play in Kansas City last year, noting:
“He had two goals in that game. You see the greatness, the greatness that he displays every single day. [He’s] someone else that I can look up to and try to get to his level someday.”
Messi & Mahomes’ Previous Meeting in Kansas City
Messi and Mahomes briefly met before a historic MLS match at Arrowhead Stadium on April 13, 2024, where Inter Miami defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-2.
🏟 Attendance: 72,610 (most-attended soccer match in Missouri history & third-most attended MLS game ever)
⚽ Messi’s Impact: 1 goal & 1 assist (Mahomes thought it was two goals!)
Messi and Inter Miami will face Sporting KC again on Feb. 18 in a Concacaf Champions Cup match.
Messi’s Super Bowl Presence: A Familiar Face in the Spotlight
Messi is no stranger to Super Bowl culture, having starred in one of last year’s most popular commercials—a Michelob Ultra ad featuring Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino.
The reigning MLS MVP and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is widely regarded as one of soccer’s greatest players and the most famous athlete living in the United States—boasting a staggering 500M+ Instagram followers.
Whether he makes it to New Orleans or not, his presence looms large—just like his legend.
