Tua Tagovailoa likens Messi Miami move to Ted Lasso

For many Americans, soccer is the secondary sport (or even further) behind the NFL. Thus, for many, our knowledge of the sport comes from Apple TV’s hit series Ted Lasso. And that includes Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Miami recently got some very exciting move as soccer superstar Lionel Messi has confirmed he will sign with Inter Miami when his PSG contract expires later this month. Even the smallest of soccer fans know the name Lionel Messi and that his coming to MLS in the United States is a very big deal. But when Tua was told about it, he actually thought it was a joke. Here was his response:

“We’re getting Lionel Messi? I just got done watching Ted Laaso,” Tagovailoa said, his face lighting up. “I thought you were pulling my leg because someone told you that. I’ve been raving about how good Ted Lasso was in the locker room.”

It’s an exciting time in Miami right now. Not only are they getting Messi on their soccer team, but their NHL team, the Florida Panthers, are in the Stanley Cup Finals and their NBA team, the Miami Heat, are in the NBA Finals.

“That’s awesome, got another superstar. Big, big names out here in Miami,” said Tagovailoa. “Now it’s good for the culture out here. Just like what the Heat got going on and what the Panthers got going on.”