Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP, has opted out of participating in the upcoming FIBA World Cup tournament with Greece due to his ongoing recovery from knee surgery. This decision has allowed him to have a summer free from international tournaments. Despite this, he has committed to a non-basketball-related activity - playing soccer.
Earlier in March, Antetokounmpo became the partner owner of the American MLS club Nashville, and his team has recorded success in the latest season. During the final Cup game between Giannis' Nashville FC and Inter Miami, the new part owner was present to cheer on and support his new team, which is just normal, most especially when the match was against one of the most revered football greatest players of all time Lionel Messi.
Antetokounmpo flew to Nashville together with his brother Alex, and he shared his excitement upon his arrival at the airport. He shared his expectations about the upcoming cup match with tremendous anticipation. However, in a good light, his own words seem to be a direct challenge to Lionel Messi.
He says, "I can't wait for the game to begin. This is going to be the first time rooting against Messi. It promises to be a great game, and the energy is going to be excellent. Let's get this accomplished."
Even though Antetokounmpo recognizes Messi as one of the greatest players of all time, it appears he does have much respect for him.
Before the game, Antetokounmpo happily scored goals and celebrated with the iconic Ronaldo "siu" move. Fans viewed this as a direct challenge to Lionel Messi, who has been a fierce competitor to the five-time Ballon d'Or champion.
Watch Antetokounmpo hit the sui here
https://youtu.be/Dk-Bj_Gvl9I?feature=shared
The Nashville Promise To Come Back Stronger After The Shocking Game Outcome.
It was a disappointing outcome for Antetokounmpo and his team, Nashville SC, who lost to Inter Miami 10-9 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
In an effort to console his teammates after the heartbreaking defeat, Antetokounmpo sent them a message of encouragement. He vowed that they would come back stronger next season and put on a better performance, with the hope of achieving a different outcome than this past season.
Posting on Twitter, he wrote, "We didn’t get the results we anticipated, but the atmosphere was a great one @NashvilleSC we will come back stronger and better than we ever have."
Giannis took time to share his long-time dream of owning a soccer team which was a vision he got from his father Charles who was a professional soccer player in two countries Germany and Nigeria.
Giannis Antetokounmpo further explained, "My father has been a professional soccer player, and soccer was the first sport I fell in love with. I’ve always had the vision of owning my soccer team so when my brothers and I came up with Nashville SC, we knew we were getting involved with a team and a city and I'm very much excited to be part of the Boys in Gold."