Lionel Messi has confessed that he's "learning a lot" about the NFL since becoming one of America's biggest sports sensations. , 36, signed up with (MLS) team last summer after his European
Football stint. He's already left a lasting impression on the
United States after stepping into David Beckham's franchise and making the MLS popular again. Though Messi is one of the world's mostloved athletes,
American football holds the title of the leading sport in the United States. Messi has put in intentional efforts to understand more about this game and its major league, the NFL, since he arrived in Miami. "Tennis, padel,
basketball and American football," Messi told the when asked about his favorite sports. "I'm learning a lot about American football, getting to know it better, and loving it." Messi's love for American football will only make him more adored in the United States. Despite battling injuries since his move to
Florida - currently a leg issue - the forward has already made a big splash across the pond. He started off strong at Miami, leading the team to win the Leagues Cup final last season, earning Beckham's club its first major trophy. Miami also made it to the
US Open Cup final but lost 2-1 to Houston Dynamo, with Messi sidelined due to injury. In his first half-season at Miami, Messi scored 11 goals in 14 games. Big things are expected of him this term, with Miami tipped to win the MLS Cup. The squad also features three of Messi's former
Barcelona teammates: Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez. Messi kicked off the season by scoring five goals in his first five games. This helped Miami win three of its first five MLS matches, drawing one and losing the other. However, the team was beaten 4-0 by
New York Red Bulls in their last match. Messi's recent injury caused him to miss Argentina's March internationals. He's eager to be fit for his country's Copa America defense this summer, which is being held in the United States. As he turns 37 this year, it could be his last chance to play for
Argentina. Miami boss Tata Martino doesn't expect Messi's injury to keep him out for too long. "He is overloaded on the right posterior (leg)," said Martino two weeks ago. "We don't want to run a risk. We tried to see if he could go for a little longer, but it was bothering him." The team is getting ready for their next match at home against
New York City this Saturday. Miami is also looking forward to the big game in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final, where the team will play Monterrey from
Mexico just four days later.