Bigger star in South Florida: Toney or Messi?

[The U is back to work]

This is such an outrageous take

Off-season fully loaded.

 

[theibisrules]

Toney....Toney....Toney

 

[Felonious Monk]

For the record, this is not something Messi himself would even entertain answering. Not after what happened when Lennon made the comparison.

 

[MgDuBzZ]

Not a serious debate, but I respect the hustle.

 

[Navy Cane]

Who the f**k is Messi?

 

[LPK2006]

I have a nuanced take, in certain circles, no, in certain circles, yes.

 

[DTP]

Until about a month ago, I couldn’t tell you who Messi was in a photo. I understand he’s an international superstar but I think a lot of you guys are vastly overestimating how many people in South Florida care about soccer. The Hispanic population here knows more about the triple A Marlins shortstop prospect than any soccer player.

 

[Calinative]

 

[DMoney]

The buildings in Miami have gotten a lot dingier.

 

[305 MOUNTAIN MAN]

Let me enrage all you Futball globalists, we call it Football in America, college football. Filled with pageantry and traditions, we don’t give a **** about how popular your stupid game is in Tanzania, Brazil or Uruguay. Or how popular Mr. Messi is in your global sphere. We care about The University of Miami Hurricanes, attached like no other program in the country to our community and our kids. Mali for President !

 

[AUcane]

Cuban-Americans, in general, prefer football to soccer by a huge margin. And the national sport is baseball.

I agree Messi is more recognizable. But nobody really cares about him down here. Inter Miami won the title and didn't even have a parade.

I recall seeing videos of Messi when he first moved to Miami and the TV camera showed him grocery shopping with his family and nobody bothered him. I showed my sister in law who lives in Buenos Aires and she was in absolute disbelief.

 

[MiamisMoperiestMopes]

Let me enrage all you Futball globalists, we call it Football in America, college football. Filled with pageantry and traditions, we don’t give a **** about how popular your stupid game is in Tanzania, Brazil or Uruguay. Or how popular Mr. Messi is in your global sphere. We care about The University of Miami Hurricanes, attached like no other program in the country to our community and our kids. Mali for President !

 

[Cribby]

I recall seeing videos of Messi when he first moved to Miami and the TV camera showed him grocery shopping with his family and nobody bothered him. I showed my sister in law who lives in Buenos Aires and she was in absolute disbelief.

Yes he’s a worldwide star but alot of Americans would walk right by him without having a clue who he is, Including myself. People here are accustomed to the athletes being bigger than life, not a tiny little guy walking around looking like a child. Just like cricket is huge in other parts of the world but to an American it’s an aggravating insect

 

[Hurracanes]

Yes he’s a worldwide star but alot of Americans would walk right by him without having a clue who he is, Including myself. People here are accustomed to the athletes being bigger than life, not a tiny little guy walking around looking like a child. Just like cricket is huge in other parts of the world but to an American it’s an aggravating insect

One of the rare times i disagree with you….strongly disagree. I think you’d be shocked at how famous he is even here in the states.

I went to Disney in December and saw more Messi jerseys at all the parks than anything else. And that’s just the parks. I was truly impressed by all the Inter Miami jerseys.

 

[HighPerformance]

Messi might be the most popular human on earth. or at least one of em.

Still.. in most neighborhoods in South Florida I think most would know Baby Jesus over him

It all depends on which neighborhood you ask the question in-

 

[LPK2006]

I know this thread is all “fun & games”. It’s the offseason, so let’s find something to do….

In all seriousness, everyone knows that Messi is a Worldwide sports figure, but if Messi walked pass me in the grocery store, I swear I would NOT know who he is! No disrespect, I’m just guessing there are a lot of folks who may be thinking the same.

However we all know the Black Nazarene… aka the miracle from Liberty City.

I wouldn't recognize the guy either. He looks like any random Spaniard, you can walk the streets of Barcelona and see any number of dudes who look somewhat like him

 

[Fzac75]

This is going to be a looooooooong offseason I see

 

[GirthQuake]

Late to the party but no give af about inter Miami

 

[SayWhat]

Yes he’s a worldwide star but alot of Americans would walk right by him without having a clue who he is, Including myself. People here are accustomed to the athletes being bigger than life, not a tiny little guy walking around looking like a child. Just like cricket is huge in other parts of the world but to an American it’s an aggravating insect

I seriously doubt you don't know what Messi looks like.

Also, Toney is what, maybe 3 inches taller? Definitely looks like a child moreso than Messi if you're comparing the two.

Anyhow, I just thought those two points were very in line with this thread. Seems like some trolling going on.

I'd love to meet Messi and one of my kids, that would be his dream. Having said that, I'd probably rather meet the Wife who is fire.

 

[JD08]

I seriously doubt you don't know what Messi looks like.

Also, Toney is what, maybe 3 inches taller? Definitely looks like a child moreso than Messi if you're comparing the two.

Anyhow, I just thought those two points were very in line with this thread. Seems like some trolling going on.

I'd love to meet Messi and one of my kids, that would be his dream. Having said that, I'd probably rather meet the Wife who is fire.

Messi is 5'7". That height is more likely to blend in a crowd than Toney at 5'11". People expect athletes to be tall.