Lionel Messi has ruled world football with unmatched brilliance and his aura now travels into American sports culture.
Few athletes bridge that divide better than DeAndre Hopkins, a wide receiver beginning his 13th season in the National Football League.
The Baltimore Ravens star begins a new campaign on September 4, carrying Messi’s inspiration into every route he runs.
Hopkins has played for the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs before joining Ravens this year.
Clemson University alumni has chosen jersey number ten throughout his career to pay tribute to the Argentine maestro who lifted the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and for a player who has amassed 984 receptions, 12965 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns, his devotion is telling about Messi’s reach beyond soccer.
Why Hopkins believes Messi’s qualities fit perfectly on an NFL field
Hopkins believes Messi could have thrived as a Slot Receiver in the NFL because of his extraordinary balance and footwork.
“Oh, for sure, wholeheartedly,” he said to FIFA.com
"With his footwork, I think he would have been a great receiver. I can't say how long he would have played taking these hits that we take, but I think he definitely could have played.
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Hopkins also detailed what led to him wearing the Messi's Jersey number.
“It’s his unorthodox play, his style, how he's not a guy that’s vocal about who he is... Just everything about him, his whole energy and aura."
"I felt like he plays with an underdog mentality, even though he is one of the best, and that was similar to my game coming out of college."
I feel like my style of playing and who I am is like Messi, so why not pay tribute and make my number like one of the best of all time.”
The Argentine star would be playing his last home World Cup Qualifier game against Venezuela on September 4.
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