Lionel Messi beats LeBron James in a shocking new athlete list

The best athletes in the world are respected and admired for their performances in their respective sports. Lionel Messi and LeBron James are undoubtedly two of the greatest athletes of all time. Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time, and LeBron is one of the greatest NBA players of all time. The two are part of many athletes lists in terms of popularity, money, and fame. These two are included in a new list released today for the world's most marketable athletes.

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Sports Pro released the top 150 most marketable athletes of 2023. Many football fans were shocked to see Messi as the only male footballer in the top five of this list. In fifth place is Megan Rapinoe, who played in the U.S. Women's National Team and for OL Reign. In the 4th spot, it's the second most marketable athlete in the NBA. Milwaukee Bucks player Giannis Antetokounmpo takes that spot in a top five dominated by basketball and football players. Another American football player is on the list, but she places as the third most marketable athlete. Alex Morgan is currently playing for San Diego Wave FC in the National Women's Soccer League.

LeBron James takes second place on the list, and the NBA player is currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. He joined the Lakers in 2018 from the Cleveland Cavaliers and also spent time with the Miami Heat. Lionel Messi is the most makeable athlete in the world who currently plays with Inter Miami in the MLS. The Argentine's popularity has increased tremendously since he moved to America. Another male footballer sneaks into the top 10, but it isn't Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Mbappé is in the 9th place, while Cristiano Ronaldo is placed 27th

Kylian Mbappé placed 9th on the list of most marketable athletes in the world. Robert Lewandowski placed 16th, Alphonso Davies was ranked 20th, and Harry Kane took 22nd place. Bukayo Saka takes the 26th spot, one ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is in 27th place.