Michael Jordan Snubbed as ESPN Names Lionel Messi GOAT Male Athlete

Michael Jordan was left off ESPN's list of the greatest male athletes of all time, with the network instead naming Lionel Messi as the GOAT male athlete.

Why Lionel Messi is ESPN's GOAT male athlete over Michael Jordan

According to Ryan O'Hanlon of ESPN, Messi's dominance in soccer and his ability to make the sport easy to understand are the reasons behind his selection. O'Hanlon argues that Messi is the greatest male athlete of all time because he has been the best player in the world's most popular sport for nearly 20 years.

"He's the greatest we've ever seen because he's the greatest at everything we see: scoring goals, creating chances, dribbling, passing, even walking," O'Hanlon said.

O'Hanlon adds that the best athlete should be judged by two things: how much better they are than everyone else in their sport and how many people play that sport. Since soccer is the most widely played and competitive sport in the world, and Messi has dominated it for so long, he believes no other athlete has a stronger case.

"He's the best male athlete of all time -- and no, it's not even close," O'Hanlon said.

What comes next for Michael Jordan?

While Michael Jordan may not have been named the GOAT male athlete, he is still widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His legacy continues to be felt in the NBA, and he remains a beloved figure in the sports world.

Why this matters for Michael Jordan

The fact that Michael Jordan was left off ESPN's list of the greatest male athletes of all time may be a surprise to some, but it's not a reflection of his abilities on the court. Jordan's impressive resume, which includes six NBA championships and five MVP awards, speaks for itself.

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