Philadelphia, PA – March 16, 2025
Global soccer icon Lionel Messi surprised Philadelphia Eagles fans Saturday with a visit to the NovaCare Complex, where he revealed himself as a longtime supporter of the Super Bowl LIX champions. The Inter Miami star, fresh off his MLS success, expressed his admiration for quarterback Jalen Hurts, calling him “an elite yet humble QB” and hoping for more titles in green.
Messi, accompanied by a small entourage, met with Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni, gifting the team a signed jersey from his World Cup-winning Argentina squad. “I’ve followed the Eagles since their Super Bowl runs,” Messi said through a translator. “Jalen’s skill and humility inspire me—he’s the heart of this team. I hope he brings more Super Bowls to Philadelphia.”
Hurts, 26, who led the Eagles to a 41-35 victory over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, blushed at the praise. Known for his quiet leadership and 4,000-yard passing with 15 rushing TDs in 2024, Hurts responded, “It’s an honor to meet a legend like Messi. We’ll keep fighting for the fans.”
The visit sparked a frenzy on X, with fans posting: “Messi an Eagles fan? This is the crossover we need!” and “Hurts and Messi—Philly’s got the best duo!” Messi’s support, rooted in his appreciation for underdog stories, aligns with the Eagles’ gritty identity. As the team navigates an offseason of change, Messi’s blessing could be a morale boost for Hurts and the squad aiming for Super Bowl LX.