Lionel Messi Has A Shrine Dedicated To Muhammad Ali In His Home To Serve As Inspiration

Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi has a shrine dedicated to the great Muhammad Ali in his home.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner posted footage of his workout during lockdown on social media, and eagle eyed viewers spotted his wall; a series of photos including some of Ali's greatest moments in the ring.

Messi clearly sees Ali as an inspirational figure, especially while he is working to be the best.

This isn't the first time Messi has revealed his admiration for the boxing legend.

During one of his contract renewals at Barcelona, the Argentinian wore a t-shirt with Ali's signature pose emblazoned on the front alongside the iconic quote: "Float like a butteryfly, sting like a bee."

In fact, Messi has sported an Ali shirt on a number of occasions down the years.

Messi also paid tribute to the great one when he sadly passed away in 2016.

He posted a picture of Ali with the same iconic caption: "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" in honour of his idol.

Image: Lionel Messi/Facebook

In an interview back in 2013, when asked about the comparisons between him and Lionel Messi, five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo recalled Muhammad Ali's rivalry with Joe Frazier.

"We are different football players." he said via Le10 sport. "We cannot be compared like Ali and Frazier because football is a team game.

"I believe I display a high level of football over the course of several seasons."

Messi

Greatness recognises greatness. Respect.

Topics: Football News, Football, Lionel Messi, muhammad ali

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_