Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has revealed that his iconic No.10 jersey is a tribute to Lionel Messi, the Argentina legend and 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.
Hopkins, who begins his 13th NFL season this week, said Messi’s style and mentality inspired him throughout his career. “I felt like my style of playing and who I am is like Messi, so why not pay tribute and make my number like one of the best of all time,” Hopkins told FIFA in an interview ahead of the new season.
The 33-year-old star, who has recorded 984 receptions, 12,965 yards and 83 touchdowns across stints with Houston, Arizona, Tennessee and Kansas City, said he became a soccer fan watching Ronaldinho and later Messi. He also admitted he might have been a goalkeeper had he pursued soccer, citing his wingspan, hands, and vision.
Hopkins praised the atmosphere in Houston and Kansas City, both host cities for the FIFA World Cup 26™, saying the tournament will showcase the international culture of American sports hubs. “When Mexico plays in Houston, it seems like you’re in Mexico City. When Argentina plays, it feels like you’re in Argentina,” he said.
Asked if Messi could have succeeded in American football, Hopkins was confident: “With his footwork, I think he would have been a great receiver… wholeheartedly.”
Hopkins, who plans to attend matches at the 2026 World Cup, said the moment that stands out most in Messi’s career was Argentina’s triumph in Qatar. “It just seemed like everybody on the team knew this was Messi’s chance to win the World Cup and they had to be perfect,” he recalled.
The NFL season kicks off Thursday, with Hopkins set to make his Ravens debut, carrying his Messi-inspired No.10 into a new chapter of his career.