Seeing as Lionel Messi and Nate Robinson, are probably the two most athletic oompa loompas in professional sports, this actually makes some sense.
In the past Robinson has gone with the single digit jersey numbers, but seeing as his preferred No.2 has been retired by the Denver Nuggets in honor of Alex English, he has opted to show some love to the 5-7 Barcelona forward, who many consider to be the best soccer player in the world.
I usually dig the single digit numbers, but No. 2 is retired. Alex English, great player. He was my coach at predraft camp when I played in Chicago. He was my coach and I averaged like 22 points and 8 assists, something like that, and he was just letting me go. I was like, “Man, it’s a pleasure. You rocked my favorite number.” I knew exactly who he was and I was like, “Man that No. 2, there is something special about it.” I’m going to change it up and wear No. 10. I’m going to wear it for [Lionel] Messi, that’s my favorite soccer player. I’ve been playing a lot of FIFA lately and watching the games. He’s the best little guy to do it and I’ve got to be the best little guy to do it at No. 10 in the NBA. That’s my goal.
Lil Nate posted a photo-shopped picture of him in the Nuggets uniform with his new number, while giving his favorite soccer player a shout out.
New look new # hope y’all like this #10 more than me cuz I love it … I’m #10 like my guy messi #holdat#dimetime10 #teamrobinson #stateofnate billy bob said it best – 10 a F’n 10
I’m sure Messi would love the tribute, but not the comparison. Robinson is a decent player and all, but he hasn’t accomplished anything on the court that is even relatable to what Messi has done on the pitch, so he may want to temper his enthusiasm.