Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Inter Miami Soccer Legend Lionel Messi Share a Historic Moment Posing with the 18-Karat Gold FIFA World Cup Trophy at Arrowhead Stadium

A Historic Meeting of Champions: Patrick Mahomes and Lionel Messi Share the Spotlight with the FIFA World Cup Trophy

On April 1, 2025, a moment that transcended the boundaries of sport unfolded as two of the greatest athletes of their generation—Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Inter Miami soccer legend Lionel Messi—came together to pose with the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy. The image, shared by BBQ Chiefs on X, captured the pair smiling broadly, standing on a stadium field with the gleaming 18-karat gold trophy placed on a pedestal between them. This rare encounter, set against the backdrop of Arrowhead Stadium, symbolized the growing intersection of global sports icons and highlighted the mutual admiration between two champions who have redefined excellence in their respective fields.

A Journey Back to Arrowhead Stadium

The roots of this moment trace back to April 2023, when Lionel Messi, then a new star for Inter Miami, visited Arrowhead Stadium to face Sporting Kansas City in a highly anticipated MLS match. The game, which drew a massive crowd to the iconic home of the Kansas City Chiefs, saw Messi deliver a stunning performance, scoring in Inter Miami’s 3-2 victory. Patrick Mahomes, a co-owner of Sporting KC and a lifelong soccer enthusiast, was in attendance that day, and the two athletes shared a lighthearted interaction that went viral on social media. Mahomes, already a two-time Super Bowl champion at the time, expressed his awe at witnessing Messi’s magic firsthand, calling him the “GOAT” of soccer in a post-game interview.

Fast forward to 2025, and the bond between these two sporting titans has only grown stronger. Mahomes, now a three-time Super Bowl champion after leading the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl LIX earlier this year, has continued to champion soccer’s growth in the United States. His presence at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, where Messi made a surprise appearance to support the Chiefs, further solidified their connection. During a press event leading up to the Super Bowl, Mahomes spoke glowingly of Messi, saying, “He’s someone to look up to and try to reach his level. What he’s done for soccer globally is incredible, and as an athlete, you can’t help but admire his greatness.”

The FIFA World Cup Trophy: A Symbol of Ultimate Victory

At the heart of this 2025 photo is the FIFA World Cup Trophy, a 36.8 cm tall masterpiece crafted from 18-karat gold and malachite, weighing approximately 6.1 kilograms. Awarded to Argentina in 2022 after Messi led his national team to victory in Qatar, the trophy is one of the most coveted prizes in all of sports. Rarely handled outside of official ceremonies due to its immense value and symbolic significance, the trophy’s presence in this photo underscores the magnitude of the moment. For Messi, the trophy represents the pinnacle of his illustrious career—a career that includes eight Ballon d’Or awards, countless records, and now, a World Cup triumph that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

For Mahomes, the opportunity to stand beside the trophy with Messi was a testament to his own journey as a champion. The 29-year-old quarterback has already etched his name in NFL history, leading the Chiefs to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances and securing his third ring in February 2025 against the Philadelphia Eagles. His involvement in soccer, both as a co-owner of Sporting KC and the NWSL’s Kansas