“I am Manu of Football”: Paris Saint-Germain Star Lionel Messi Praises Hall of Fame Inductee Manu Ginobili

After moving remarks by the other twelve members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022, it was finally time for Spurs great Manu Ginobili to deliver the event’s closing address. He was greeted with the largest round of applause of the evening.

On Saturday night in Springfield, Massachusetts, George Karl, Hardaway, Manu Ginobili, Swin Cash, Bob Huggins, Del Harris, Lindsay Whalen, Marianne Stanley, Theresa Shank Grentz, and Swin Cash all gave enshrinement speeches as new inductees into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Manu Ginobili

Both in the United States and in Argentina, the San Antonio Spurs player is revered as a legend. While being a part of four NBA championships is an incredible accomplishment for any player, Manu’s 2004 Olympic Gold Medal victory over the United States may have been his career’s pinnacle moment.

ALSO READ: “Shoutout to Aaron Donald”: Stephen Curry Thanks Super Bowl Champion For the ‘Ring Me’ Celebration

Lionel Messi all praises about Manu Ginobili

Messi was all praise following Ginobili’s admission into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

“It makes me very proud to hear a journalist say that ‘Manu is the Messi of basketball’, in fact, they should say that I am the Manu of football.”

It was a huge affair in a nation that is largely concerned with soccer but nonetheless has a rich history of basketball. Manu is well respected and adored by many people in his own country. And even the top talents in Argentina, like Lionel Messi, who is perhaps the biggest star in that country, have nothing but positive things to say about Manu.

This is really high praise for Manu Ginobili, especially in light of the fact that Messi has a record amount of victories in football’s top individual award in addition to the numerous trophies he has won with his teams.

More NBA news: 

Follow our NBA page for more key NBA updates and news