The soccer and NBA worlds have rarely ever mingled. While both are extremely popular, no crossovers have taken place between the sporting giants. But one of the few exceptions to the rule is LeBron James. Close to a decade ago, the 4-time Champion crossed the bridge to the other side, investing in the Premier League. While many iconic brands have crossed over, connections between players remain scarce.

However, with Lionel Messi finally arriving on American soil, a change seems to be in order. But with the entirety of the American sports world descending to Miami, fans had an interesting reaction to the meeting of these two legends.

LeBron James, meet Lionel Messi

There are many parallels between the two icons. Both, come from less-than-ideal households. Both caught the eye of their respective sport at a very young age. LeBron’s iconic Sports Illustrated cover and hype were generational.

For Messi, when a 17-year-old boy turned up to Barcelona’s training camp, a certain Brazillian legend told Kobe Bryant that the youngster would etch his name in history as the best to ever do it. Coincidentally, both have met and surpassed every expectation.

So, to see the two legends finally interact, and share a hug was a sweet moment. That moment came after a legendary debut performance from the football star – it made the scene that much sweeter. If you’ve been living under a rock, Lionel Messi scored a game-winning free kick in the 93rd minute of his Inter Miami debut.

As the world came unglued at the unreal scene before them, a familiar sight graced our eyes. LeBron James, almost 20 years to the day, with a phone in hand, recording a legend. However, the basketball landscape is quickly moving.

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Soon after the iconic moment came to pass, fans dug up another old photograph, featuring the contenders to these two’s thrones.

Fans bring up GOAT debates in response to the James-Messi meetup

Since the post, fans have quickly taken to debating the two sides.

And each had their own perspective. One fan, a big Michael Jordan supporter, claimed that this photo itself validated Ronaldo’s greatness, and supremacy in the comparison.

Some fans, however, were split. They wanted one from each picture. Ditching Cristiano Ronaldo, they instead sided with Messi, even though Jordan won the basketball battle.

Some were quick to point out that MJ never posted the picture with Ronaldo, while the King was open in his appreciation.

A few fans, however, tried to play it cheeky. Like this person right here.

Regardless of the side you choose in these debates, there is no denying the star power in that one photograph. While debates in the two sports can continue, it would be amiss if we did not appreciate the greatness in front of us.

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