LeBron James, an NBA legend currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, has declared his admiration for **Lionel Messi** Friday after traveling to **Florida** to watch him play at **DRV PNK Stadium** in the Argentine's stellar debut in **Leagues Cup 2023**. Although several spectators were surprised by the hug and his presence at the Inter Miami CF match as the hosts beat Cruz Azul 2-1, the basketball star has a passion for soccer and over the years he has undertaken different projects within the sport.
Lebron James' successes read like a history of basketball: the top scorer in NBA history, he has won four league titles two with the Miami Heat (2012, 2013), one with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2016) and the last with the Los Angeles Lakers (2020). However, there are other facets of his life that are not very visible, such as his passion for soccer or his fanaticism for cycling.
This Friday, one of them was on show, though. The most talented player in soccer today was making his debut in the United States, and LeBron wanted to witness it - like many other celebrities - and attended Leo's first official match. Minutes before the match began, both athletes joined in a hug, which was recorded in photos.
LeBron posted a carousel of images and wrote: "Welcome back bro! Always good to see and be in the presence of GREATNESS." Two legends greeted each other and the basketball player showed his footballing fandom, which has been developing for years.
Because he is not only passionate about watching football, but he also invested in various projects: he is one of the shareholders of Liverpool in England and AC Milan in Italy. Although his participation is not direct, as he owns a percentage of an investment group, it has in recent times has been increasing its contribution and has acquired more prominence.
Across his businesses and his passions, LeBron has a knack for keeping them diversified. In July 2018, LeBron's foundation launched a school for underprivileged children in his hometown of Akron. In addition to offering them education and food, he tries to transfer another of his passions to each of the children: the bicycle. And with his acts of charity, he encouraged them to go "as far as each one can go."
It has become clear that LeBron is an inspiration within his sport, due to all of the achievements he has achieved, but he is also aware of his passions that dedicate interest, time and money to it. Will King James attend upcoming Inter Miami CF matches wearing Messi's jersey?
