The last time Lamar Jackson, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé were mentioned in the same conversation was after the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final. That time around, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback acknowledged the soccer stars for the talents they are. But this time? This time, he seemingly put himself in their boots, thinking of what life could’ve been not wearing his cleats.
In a World Cup Final for the ages, one that was 3-3 after extra time, Argentina and France took the game to penalties. And after the South American nation came out on top, with Messi winning his first World Cup, Lamar Jackson tweeted, “Messi that guy fr💯” However, Mbappe – who scored all three of France’s goals – didn’t go without recognition. When a fellow watcher wrote, “Mbappe that dude, too,” Jackson replied, “Fasho Fasho He dat fr.” Now, at a time when top NFL quarterbacks are inking monumental contracts, Jackson took to X, expressing contemplation over a career akin to Messi and Mbappé.
The quarterback’s tweet, “Just sitting here thinking….. I could’ve been on some Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappé type,” has ignited some fan curiosity and banter. His words are a subtle hint at his rising stature in the game. The 27-year-old’s electrifying abilities are undeniable – holding the 2019 and 2023 NFL MVP titles to his name. However, many followers even attributed Jackson’s tweet to Patrick Mahomes.
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Other than the fact that his post came shortly after Patrick Mahomes made headlines for attending the opening of NWSL team Kansas City Current’s stadium, many fans feel it was about competition. Even though Jackson is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, they feel that going up against Mahomes has Jackson “questioning his love for the game.”
Just sitting here thinking….. I could’ve been on some Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappé type 💩⚽️
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 17, 2024
Meanwhile, Jackson’s tweet coincides with his recent contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens, solidifying his commitment to the NFL franchise. Despite this, his contemplative message might ignite curiosity about his potential ventures beyond the gridiron. The focus intensifies with each jaw-dropping Jackson highlight. His 4.34 40-yard dash time rivals Michael Vick’s 4.33, and he reached 5,000 career rushing yards in just 82 games – the fastest ever by a quarterback.
Jackson’s “Messi/Mbappe type” aspiration transcends typical stardom. It signals a franchise player asserting elite status not just in Baltimore but across the entire sports landscape. While he aims for rarified air, Patrick Mahomes is actively investing in sports outside football. After investing in the Alpine Formula 1 team in 2023, he recently swapped Pigskins for soccer boots!
Patrick Mahomes embraces soccer investing!
As Lamar Jackson aims to etch his name among the biggest stars in professional sports, Patrick Mahomes is actively expanding his pursuits beyond the gridiron. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and his wife Brittany were front and center at the ribbon-cutting for the Kansas City Current’s new $120 million soccer stadium.
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Built expressly for the National Women’s Soccer League team that the Mahomes couple has invested in, the state-of-the-art CPKC Stadium represents one of the rare venues constructed solely for elite female athletes. Mahomes and Brittany, alongside team ownership, made their way onto the field to cheers from the thousands of fans packing the 11,000-seat stadium on opening day.
While Jackson is seemingly weighing his next career move, Mahomes is diversifying his interests and leveraging his financial success in innovative ways. His 15 and the Mahomies Foundation has already distributed over $4 million to youth literacy programs, scholarship funds, and local community initiatives in Kansas City. The star QB also announced plans for the “15 and the Mahomies Vegas Golf Classic” in late April – an event blending sports competition with charitable fundraising.
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“Enter for a chance to play…and join me in Vegas,” Mahomes invited fans. As Jackson contemplates his “Messi/Mbappe type” standing, Mahomes is setting the blueprint for translating NFL stardom into impactful business ventures and philanthropic endeavors beyond the field.