Giannis Antetokounmpo, the towering basketball sensation and minority owner of Nashville SC in the MLS, treated fans to a delightful display on Saturday night before his team's Leagues Cup final against Inter Miami, led by the legendary Lionel Messi. Taking to the field, Antetokounmpo showcased his soccer skills by playfully taking shots on goal.
Having acquired a stake in the club in March, the 7-foot "Greek Soccer Freak" delighted the crowd as he unleashed a powerful strike from near midfield, finding the back of the net.
Celebrating the goal in style, he emulated the iconic goal celebration of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Sprinting toward the center of the pitch, Antetokounmpo jumped, landed, and thrust his arms out at his hips, repeating the celebration with exuberance.
Interestingly, Antetokounmpo's father, Charles, was a professional soccer player in Nigeria, adding a familial connection to the beautiful game. Alongside the Milwaukee Bucks forward, other influential minority owners of Nashville SC include renowned actress Reese Witherspoon, Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, and Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg.
While Antetokounmpo continues his recovery from left knee surgery earlier this summer and is not participating in the Basketball World Cup for Greece, his unforgettable presence and exceptional skills on the soccer field showcased his diverse sporting talents. Nashville SC fans were undoubtedly thrilled to see their beloved NBA superstar join them in celebrating the team's Leagues Cup final.
Inter Miami beat Nashville SC in a thrilling Leagues Cup final on Saturday after a 1-1 tie was settled by a marathon 10-9 penalty shootout, as Lionel Messi extended his winning streak since joining the MLS side to seven games.
