Drake Maye has never hidden where his inspiration comes from, even when it reaches beyond American football.
As the face of Super Bowl 60 and one of the NFL’s fastest-rising quarterbacks, Maye has spoken openly about how global sporting icons shape the way he thinks about pressure, greatness, and legacy.
Drake Maye explains his Lionel Messi inspiration
Maye discussed his admiration for football legends and the meaning behind his shirt number in an interview with Marca, linking his mindset to some of the biggest names the sport has ever produced.
Explaining why he wears No. 10, Maye said, “I’m a big fan of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Mbappe, who else wears it? Pele. A lot of soccer greats. I mean it’s just a number, but it’s a pretty great number,” Maye said.
For Maye, the connection is not about copying style but about embracing the responsibility that comes with iconic status. The No. 10 carries expectation, creativity, and leadership, qualities he believes translate across sports.
Maye also spoke about his excitement for the World Cup coming to American soil, highlighting how moments from football’s biggest tournament continue to inspire him.
He said, “It’s incredible that the World Cup is coming to the United States. There will be some games I can attend. I still remember the [2022 World Cup final] where Messi won it against France, it was a great game, what a great sport.”
Drake Maye torn between Messi and USA at World Cup
Maye also addressed where his loyalties would lie during the World Cup, acknowledging the pull of Lionel Messi while reaffirming his national support.
The Patriots star said, “Messi is playing for Argentina, so I think Argentina can win the World Cup. I would obviously like the United States to win it, I have to support the United States.”
The comment captures the balance Maye strikes between admiration and allegiance. Messi represents sporting excellence at its highest level, but national pride remains non-negotiable.
With the World Cup coming to the United States, Maye sees a rare chance to experience the tournament firsthand while competing at the peak of his own sport.
The parallels are clear in how he speaks about Messi and his own journey. Respect greatness wherever it exists, but stay grounded in who you represent.
As Super Bowl 60 approaches and the World Cup edges closer, Maye’s comments show a quarterback comfortable drawing inspiration from the global stage while keeping his identity firmly intact.
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