NBA star Gianni Antetokounmpo’s team Nashville SC, defeated by Messi’s Inter Miami.

(Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)

NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo was at the stadium in high spirit to cheer his team Nashville SC to victory but they lost the Leagues Cup finals to Messi’s side Inter Miami.

He went from rooting against Messi with the “suuii” celebration of Cristiano Ronaldo prior to the commencement of the game in front of the thousands in attendance to showing Messi respect on twitter after the defeat.

Antetokounmpo who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks in the National Basketball Association was announced by the  Nashville Football Club as part of its owners in March 2023.

On the club’s official website, the club’s communication team announced the news:

“As Nashville Soccer Club enters its fourth season in Major League Soccer, and second at GEODIS Park, principal owner John Ingram announced today that leading scorer in Nashville Predator history Filip Forsberg and two-time MVP and NBA Champion Giannis Antetokounmpo have joined the team’s ownership group.

“Antetokounmpo is joined in ownership by his brothers Thanasis, Kostas and Alex as well – all of whom play professional basketball worldwide. Thanasis joined Giannis in winning the NBA Championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, and Kostas won one with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.” The statement added.

“My father was a professional soccer player, and it was the first sport I fell in love with in Greece,” said Antetokounmpo. “I’ve always had the dream of owning a soccer team. When my brothers and I explored Nashville SC, we knew it was a team and a city that we wanted to get involved with. I couldn’t be more excited to join the Boys in Gold, and can’t wait to come to a match at GEODIS Park soon!”  

The NBA star even though wanted his side to win, he quickly took to Twitter to congratulate Messi on his performance in the match.

“Messi. Respect ” He tweeted.

Messi scored opener for his new club in the 23rd minute and went ahead to help them win their first ever trophy since the establishment of the club in 2018.