The 36-year-old Inter Miami forward is one of the most recognisable sports stars of all time, though has never crossed paths with the NBA legend, 61.

Now, Messi has revealed he is itching to get a selfie with the famed basketball player.

He told ESPN Argentina: “From the sports world, I would like to have a photo with [Michael] Jordan - meet him and have a photo with him.”

The footballer is currently gearing up for the Copa América - which is being held in the U.S. - though has ruled out playing for Argentina at the Paris Olympics this year because he is no longer “at an age to be in everything”.

He said: “I talked to [Argentina manager Javier] Mascherano and the truth is we both understood the situation.

”It's hard [to consider participating in the Olympics at the moment] because we're in Copa América. It would be two, three straight months of not being with the club, and more than anything I'm not at an age to be in everything.

“I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play two straight tournaments.

“I've been very lucky to play in the Olympics, of winning it together with Masche. It was a wonderful experience on a football level. Olympics, U20, memories I'll never forget.”

Messi - who won Olympic gold for his country at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing - added: “It's spectacular to be fortunate enough to go through all that. I hope that the guys who get to go enjoy it in the same way that I did because it's special.

“The Olympics are special, different from anything else.”