J. Cole, widely regarded as the greatest living rapper, referenced Lionel Messi on a new collaborative track with Mike WiLL Made-It, revealing a surprising newfound passion for soccer, which he previously thought was “only for white folks.”
In the track titled OFG, released on March 20, 2026, J. Cole, the 41-year-old rap icon, declared Messi the G.O.A.T., admitting he only started watching football a few weeks ago, sparking excitement among fans who knew him primarily for his musical genius.
"T, T, shout to Lionel Messi, he’s the G.O.A.T. Only started watchin’ weeks ago. Why they never told me soccer was lit? Thought it was only for crackers and shit,” Cole said in a three-minute, 12-second video uploaded to Mike WiLL Made-It‘s YouTube channel, staying true to his words.
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The greatest living rapper has long been admired for his lyrical prowess, but his interest in soccer reveals a playful side, showing fans he can pivot from the sharp social commentary of albums like The Fall Off to newfound sports enthusiasm with genuine excitement.
Cole, born on January 28, 1985, at a U.S. military base in Frankfurt, Germany, grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, excelling academically and musically, later signing with Jay-Z‘s Roc Nation in 2009, releasing critically acclaimed albums and mixtapes like The Warm Up and Friday Night Lights.
Over the years, Cole‘s albums-including Cole World: The Sideline Story, Born Sinner, and the incredible The Fall Off-have topped the Billboard 200, blending conscious themes with mainstream success, solidifying his status as one of the greatest living rappers of all time.
His production work, which spans collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, Young Thug, and Mac Miller, demonstrates his musical versatility, while his Dreamville Records label has nurtured talents like JID, Ari Lennox, Bas, and EarthGang, further cementing his cultural impact.
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Messi, currently with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, has elevated the league’s visibility since joining in 2023, winning three major trophies including the MLS Cup, the Leagues Cup, and the Supporters’ Shield, further solidifying his reputation as the sport’s greatest.
American singer-songwriter Sabrina Carpenter recently paid homage to Messi by wearing an Argentina jersey in a viral TikTok clip, dancing to Bad Bunny’s “Titi Me Pregunto” during her Latin American tour stop in Buenos Aires, delighting her 37.8 million followers.
Messi‘s influence extends beyond the pitch, inspiring American celebrities like J. Cole to engage with soccer, a sport he previously overlooked, while athletes including NBA star Anthony Edwards have also publicly shown support, sparking debate and attention among U.S. fans.
The greatest living rapper's acknowledgment of Messi demonstrates how the Argentine superstar transcends international boundaries, blending sports and pop culture in a way that captivates figures from music, sports, and entertainment alike.
Cole‘s embrace of soccer and his shoutout to Messi underscores his openness to new experiences, showing that even the most influential rappers can explore fresh passions while continuing to produce groundbreaking music, especially with an album as incredible as The Fall Off.
