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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Argentine the new No.1 on popularity list</li><li>First-ever soccer player to top ranking</li><li>Helped Inter Miami start 2024 season with win</li></ul>

Lionel Messi is the new No.1! Inter Miami superstar becomes first-ever soccer player to sit atop popular athlete list in United States

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Universitario de Deportes

Inter Miami CF

According to <a href="https://ssrs.com/insights/the-impact-of-messis-arrival-on-us-soccer-fandom/" target="_blank">SSRS</a>, a sports research polling company, the Heron's maestro has now overtaken the role of No.1 in the USA. It is the first time in the 30 years they have been polling data that a soccer star tops the charts. In one single quarter, the Argentine has become America's favorite. He joins elite company, too.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NEW POLL REVEALS LIONEL MESSI MOST POPULAR ATHLETE IN UNITED STATES 🇺🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/ssrs_research?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ssrs_research</a> poll has tracked America’s favorite athlete, by quarter, for 30 years and Messi is the first footballer to claim the No. 1 spot, earning the honor for Q4 of 2023. 📈 (1/2) <a href="https://t.co/8WFoAhG9aq">pic.twitter.com/8WFoAhG9aq</a>— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) <a href="https://twitter.com/MenInBlazers/status/1760335861621604377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

The likes of superstars Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Tom Brady make up the other individuals who had only made the No. 1 spot for one-single quarter. In Q4 of 2023, the Argentine joined them, coming off of a stupendous first season in MLS and an inaugural Leagues Cup victory.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Inter Miami has also emerged as America's favorite MLS club, per the same polling site, beating out the LA Galaxy - previous club of co-owner David Beckham.

DID YOU KNOW?

Speaking of the Galaxy... that's Inter Miami's next stop as they travel to Los Angeles Sunday evening in game two of the 2024 MLS season. They kicked off their campaign Wednesday evening with a victory, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/inter-miami-player-ratings-lionel-messi-real-salt-lake/blt2fea8538d08369ef" target="_blank">defeating Real Salt Lake 2-0.</a>

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI AND INTER MIAMI?

Lionel Messi is the new No.1! Inter Miami superstar becomes first-ever soccer player to sit atop popular athlete list in United States | Goal.com

Lionel Messi has become the first-ever soccer player to be named the most popular athlete in the USA!

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