04 May 2024 , 03:00
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Patrick Mahomes, admitted to feeling "nervous" when he met football legend Lionel Messi at Arrowhead Stadium on April 13.
Despite being a superstar in his own right, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Mahomes confessed that he didn't think Messi recognised him during their encounter.
Mahomes and Messi are two of the biggest names in their respective sports - American football and soccer. However, even these sporting giants can feel a little starstruck when meeting another industry titan.
Mahomes revealed his feelings about the encounter on the ImPaulsive podcast. He said: "I just met (Lionel) Messi the other day, I was so nervous... I was hoping it would happen naturally,
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"So I was walking down the hall and they're walking in a tight hallway. He's going to warm up, what am I supposed to say? (I said) 'Have fun out there' and he had a goal and an assist so I feel like he had a great time, he had fun, it was all on me."
Kansas City usually hosts their home MLS games at the much smaller Children's Mercy Park, but with the allure of Inter Miami and the legendary Lionel Messi in town, the match was moved to the colossal Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chiefs play. Sporting's regular venue seats 25,000 supporters, but Arrowhead can pack in a whopping 76,000.
A staggering 72,610 fans turned up to see Miami edge out Kansas City 3-2, making it the fourth biggest crowd in MLS history. The spectators certainly got their money's worth as Messi set up his old pal Luis Suarez for the decisive goal, after having found the net himself earlier on.
While football is king in many parts of the world, with Messi a household name globally, American football is rapidly expanding its reach. Mahomes may be a star stateside, but he doesn't quite have the international recognition that Messi enjoys.
When Logan Paul quizzed Mahomes on his podcast about whether Messi knew who he was, the Chiefs' signal-caller was unsure. "If someone told him, I don't think he recognised me," said Mahomes.
Mahomes is a part-owner of MLS team Sporting Kansas City (GETTY)"He probably watched the Super Bowl... (when) I had my helmet on, maybe I should wear my uniform next time then he'd know who I am."
Mahomes, while renowned for his football prowess, is also a keen soccer enthusiast and has invested in two teams within the Kansas City area. His wife, Britney, was a college soccer player, and together they have given back to their community.
The Chiefs' quarterback holds an investment in Sporting Kansas City, and they've also purchased the National Women's Super League team, Kansas City Current. Mahomes also owns a minor stake in the MLB team, Kansas City Royals, and recently invested in the Formula One team Alpine, alongside Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.