LeBron James welcomes Lionel Messi to America: ‘Always happy to be in the presence of greatness’

LeBron James is welcoming Lionel Messi to America with open arms.

LeBron James Lionel Messi

On Friday, the NBA legend, 38, shared photos of him hugging the Argentine soccer star in the stadium stands after his impressive Inter Miami debut.

“Welcome brother!!! Always good to see and be in the presence of GREATNESS!!! @leomessi 🤎 #ComingToAmerica,” James wrote on Instagram.

“Thanks a lot brother!!! It was really nice to see you! ” Messi wrote on James’ post and his own Instagram Story.

A video of Messi interacting with his colleagues while strolling along the sidelines prior to taking the pitch was also shared by the Los Angeles Laker.

James’ post follows Messi’s performance in his debut match for Inter Miami, where he scored a free kick in the 94th minute to break a one-all draw with Cruz Azul of Mexico City and lead his team to a two-all triumph, according to Yahoo Sports.

Along with James, a number of A-list celebrities from Hollywood, including Kim Kardashian, Serena Williams, David Beckham, who co-owns Inter Miami, and his wife Victoria Beckham, were present for the game-winning play.

This was Inter Miami’s inaugural game in the Leagues Cup, a month-long competition between Liga MX and Major League Soccer teams. The next game for Messi and Inter Miami is set for July 25 against Atlanta United.

The event became one to watch after Messi first announced that he was taking his talents to South Beach after leading Argentina to its third World Cup in January.

“I have made the decision that I am going to Miami,” he told Spanish outlets Mundo Deportivo and Sport in June. “I still don’t have it agreed upon 100% and a few things are needed, but well, we decided to continue my path there.”

The World Cup championship was Messi’s first, which inspired him to challenge himself and enjoy the game “in another way.”

“After winning the World Cup and not being able to return to Barcelona, it was my turn to go to the league of the United States to live football in another way and to enjoy the day to day more,” he added. “Obviously, with the same responsibility and desire to play well and do things well as always. But in a calmer way.”