The NBA and soccer worlds have remained relatively far apart. While the occasional NBA star has caught up with the global sport, the two worlds live in their own bubbles. However, with the glorious debut of Argentinian great Lionel Messi in the MLS, the seeds of soccer have been implanted across the country,

Despite Messi’s astounding stature, not many could have predicted such a barrage of appreciation from soccer fans in the country. But one of the first ties between soccer and the NBA occurred many years ago, between the MLS debutant and Hall of Fame Kobe Bryant, albeit a reference from another soccer legend.

Kobe Bryant calls his GOAT shot ages ago

Years before taking over Spain and the rest of the world, Lionel Messi was just a young kid in Barcelona’s training camp. However, the young man already had supporters.

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Chief among them was Brazilian legend, Ronaldinho. A World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner himself, the world-class forward played the facilitator between Bryant and Messi.

Years ago, the NBA legend detailed the story of the two greats meeting. “A long time ago, Barcelona came to Los Angeles. Ronaldinho, who was a good friend, told me, ‘Kobe, look I’m going to introduce you… The guy who is going to be the greatest player of all time… This kid right here is going to be the best. And that guy was Lionel Messi, who was only 17.” 

Hours after a historic debut that captured the entirety of America’s attention, Bryant’s story rings true. But it wasn’t the only time the two icons from different worlds were part of a collective effort.

Kobe Bryant once messed around with Messi

The two sporting legends were a part of one of the most iconic advertisements to ever exist. In 2012, a decade before Messi wowed the American crowd on his debut, he teamed up with Bryant for the Turkish Airlines. But it wasn’t exactly a ‘team-up’ of sorts!

In a hilarious and creative ad, the two icons worked to enrapture a young kid. As time passed on, the two divulged into increasingly overblown tricks. Whether using animal-shaped balloons or using a deck of cards, the duo left no stone unturned.

So, of course, the hilarity continued throughout, right until the very end. Now, as Messi starts off a soccer career in the USA after conquering Europe, perhaps the great Ronaldinho’s sentiments were proven correct after all.

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