Lionel Messi may be one of the most famous athletes on the planet, but there is still one sporting legend he is desperate to meet.

Messi, who captained Argentina to its first World Cup for 36 years in 2022, has cemented a legacy as perhaps the greatest soccer player of all time during a remarkable career spanning two decades.

In 1,118 career appearances, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored an astonishing 862 goals while capturing 11 Spanish titles, two French titles, four Champions Leagues and the Copa America as well as the World Cup.

There are few bigger superstars in soccer than Messi, who is now making waves over in MLS with Inter Miami.

Though despite being an all-time great himself – and meeting a host of star names across a variety of sports over the years – the Barcelona legend is still yet to meet one big name.

When asked which sports figure he would like to meet most, Messi told ESPN Argentina: ‘From the sports world, I would like to have a photo with [Michael] Jordan – meet him and have a photo with him.’

Jordan remains one of the biggest icons in sports history over 20 years since his NBA career drew to a close.

The Chicago Bulls legend won six NBA Championships with the team while also becoming a cultural phenomenon off the court, with his ‘Air Jordan’ Nike brand still immensely popular today.

He was also named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player on six occasions as well as being a 14-time All-Star.

Both Jordan and Messi stake a strong claim to being the greatest ever players to grace their respective sports.

Messi is currently gearing up for the Copa America with Argentina, who are looking to defend their crown this summer after winning it in 2021.

The 36-year-old played for his country for the first time in six months this week, helping them to a 1-0 win over Ecuador in a warmup game before the tournament.

Despite the attraction of representing Argentina again later this year, Messi has ruled himself out of contention for the Olympic Games in Paris.

‘I talked to [U23 coach Javier] Mascherano and the truth is we both understood the situation,’ he said. ‘It’s hard [to think about the Olympics right now] because we’re in Copa America. It would be two, three straight months of not being with the club, and more than anything I’m not at an age to be in everything.

‘I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play two straight tournaments. I’ve been very lucky to play in the Olympics, of winning it together with Masche. It was a wonderful experience on a football level. Olympics, U20, memories I’ll never forget.

‘It’s spectacular to be fortunate enough to go through all that. I hope that the guys who get to go enjoy it in the same way that I did because it’s special. The Olympics are special, different from anything else.’