LIONEL MESSI is the idol of millions but the Barcelona star has his own heroes, including Muhammad Ali.
Recent footage of the Argentine hard at work during coronavirus lockdown revealed something of a shrine to the boxing legend in his home gym.
Messi has several Ali images posted on his gym wall – check out which below
1: Ali vs Frazier from the Thriller in ManilaCredit: AP:Associated Press
2: Ali dodges a punch from Frazier in their earlier 1971 battleCredit: Corbis
A series of photos of Ali’s greatest moments adorn the wall of Casa de Messi to serve as inspiration during his workouts.
The forward, 32, is known to be a big fan of boxing and the American icon appears to top his personal billing.
Messi was one of several major sporting stars to pay tribute to Ali upon his death in 2016, at the age of 74.
A simple statement regaling the boxer’s most famous quote was posted to his social media accounts, with a photo of Ali captioned: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
The same notion can certainly be attributed to Messi’s style on the football pitch as his intricate movement and delicate touches combine for devastating effect.
Indeed, the player has pulled on a shirt bearing Ali’s face almost as many times as the famous Blaugrana.
3: The famous shot of Ali standing over Sonny Liston in 1965Credit: AP:Associated Press
4: Ali drops Cleveland Williams in 1966Credit: AP:Associated Press
While some footballers will suit up for a big announcement, Messi has dedicated his attire to his hero on a number of occasions.
He once even pulled on an Ali T-shirt to sign a new Barcelona contract.
Both men have managed to claim individual world titles in storied careers to make a substantial claim to being the greatest of all-time in their respective sports.
Their records certainly stack up well against eachother.
Antonella Roccuzzo has shown off the Ali memorial in their home
Messi owns a number of T-shirts bearing Ali’s image
Ali claimed gold at the 1960 Olympics and won 56 of his 61 professional fights, which included a three-year exile following criticism of the Vietnam war.
And just like the heavyweight’s famous duels with Joe Frazier and George Foreman, Messi’s match-ups with Cristiano Ronaldo are the stuff of legend.
Last year saw the Barcelona ace pick up a sixth Ballon d’Or crown to step ahead of his former El Clasico rival.
In addition, a trophy cabinet containing ten LaLiga titles, four Champions League winners’ medals and his own Olympic gold puts him right up there with icons like Ali.
5: This picture of Ali in the gym is on the gym wallCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
6: Ali in his Chicago studioCredit: Thomas Hoepker/Magnum Photos
7: Ali, then Cassius Clay, is announced as world champion in 1964Credit: AP:Associated Press
8: Six-year-old fan Patrick Power trains with AliCredit: Getty Images – Getty
9: The Beatles visit Ali in trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
10: The Fab Four drop by again, another photo put up in his home by MessiCredit: Rex Features
Lionel Messi’s adorable son works out with dad in coronavirus lockdown before Barcelona star shows him how it’s done
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
