The name of Lionel Messi continues to transcend boundaries far beyond soccer. This time it was NFL star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins who surprised many by claiming that the Argentine would have the qualities to shine in American football as a wide receiver.

The Baltimore Ravens player, one of the best in his position over the past decade, not only praised the Inter Miami captain but also revealed that his iconic No. 10 jersey is inspired by the Argentine superstar.

Hopkins and the Messi inspiration

In an interview with FIFA’s official website, Hopkins, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, explained why he believes Messi could have been a great NFL player: “Oh, of course, with all my heart. With his footwork, I think he would have been a great receiver. I can’t say how long he would have lasted with the hits we take, but he definitely could have played,” he said.

The wide receiver, who began his career with the Houston Texans after being selected in the first round of the 2013 Draft, admitted that he chose to wear the No. 10 in honor of the Argentine: “It’s his unorthodox style, the way he plays, how he doesn’t need to scream who he is... His energy, his aura. I always felt he played with an underdog mentality, even though he was the best, and that really resembled my game when I came out of college. That’s why I decided to wear the number of one of the greatest of all time.”

Messi and Hopkins, two worlds colliding

The comparison may sound unusual, but Hopkins pointed to clear examples. Players like Wes Welker, the historic wide receiver of the New England Patriots alongside Tom Brady, proved that height isn’t always a barrier in football. For that reason, Messi’s stature wouldn’t have been an obstacle to succeed as a receiver in the NFL, just as he has done in soccer by scoring goals and breaking records.

While Hopkins prepares for a new season with the Ravens, Messi remains a star attraction in MLS with Inter Miami, where a contract renewal is already being discussed. Even if we’ll never know how the Argentine would have performed catching passes instead of kicking balls, one thing is certain: his legacy continues to inspire stars from other sports who see in him much more than just a footballer — a symbol of discipline, humility, and unmatched talent.