Lionel Messi has been ranked outside the top 5 in People magazine’s Sexiest Athletes Alive list. Among many well-known names, there was perhaps one surprise entry in the top 5. It is none other than Joe Burrow who plays as a quarterback for the NFL team Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow joined the Bengals as the first pick in the 2020 NFL draft and has earned plaudits ever since with regard to his immense passing ability.

The People magazine is one of the most popular magazines in the US with readership figures of more than 35 million (2018). The ranking is based on fan votes which are influenced by both the looks and individual performances of the athletes. Fans of Lionel Messi would be hoping to turn the rankings around next time. However, right now, he has to settle for a place behind the American quarterback nicknamed “Joe Cool”.

Fans vote for Joe Burrow ahead of Lionel Messi and Stephen Curry

The Sexiest Athlete Alive list had footballer Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs as number one. No surprise considering his Super Bowl win in 2023 and relationship with Taylor Swift, as it is voted by fans. Other heavyweights on the list included Lionel Messi (6th), Neymar (7th), Stephen Curry (12th), and Lewis Hamilton (21st). Yet, the highlight was Joe Burrow who finished in the 5th position. The quarterback was a huge factor in the Bengals playing their first Super Bowl since 1988. It’s safe to say that his in-game skills and charming looks have left quite a mark on the audience.

Others in the top 5 include Jason Kelce (Philadelphia Eagles), Jonathan Owens (Green Bay Packer), and Braxton Berrios (Miami Dolphins). All 5 of the athletes who finished above Messi were NFL stars. An interesting occurrence since it was claimed that ‘Messi had no equal in the NFL’.

Does Messi have an equivalent in American football?

An unnamed NFL agent had told the Athletic that “No NFL player moves the needle like Messi“. A huge claim considering the popularity of some of the NFL’s biggest stars. This was in response to a question regarding whether NFL players can command contracts like Messi’s at Inter Miami.

Interestingly, another agent mentioned Joe Burrow while discussing players who could command big contracts in the future.  “Let’s take that step first,” he said. “Justin Herbert didn’t do it. But I’m holding out hope that Joe Burrow will. Need top guys to do that for the trickle-down effect“. While the NFL might not have its equivalent of Messi, there are plenty of young stars like Burrow who are worth building teams around.

Read More: Lionel Messi Hints at Future Career Plans; Eliminates One Role To Break a Million Hearts

Do you find Lionel Messi’s position in the sexiest athletes list surprising? Did he deserve a better finish? Let us know in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space