Milwaukee Bucks superstar and Nashville SC minority owner Giannis Antetokounmpo had some fun at Lionel Messi’s expense ahead of Saturday’s Leagues Cup final loss by emulating the Inter Miami star’s biggest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

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The 6-foot-11 Antetokounmpo was hard to miss on the field before the championship game, doing television interviews and netting a free kιck from about 30 yards away.

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To celebrate his impromptu goal, Antetokounmpo did the pirouetting ‘SIU’ celebration, popularized by Ronaldo. Cameras did not appear to catch Messi’s reaction, but Antetoukounmpo’s brother and teammate, Thanasis, responded with laughter.

‘It’s been an amazing experience,’ Antetokounmpo told Apple TV before the shootout loss.

‘I haven’t had the time to do enjoy it as much because, obviously, the season, and obviously I’ve been extremely busy with my kids, things that I do off the court, working out and getting better, but this was the only opportunity I could come and watch this game with my little brother.

‘I’m happy that I’m here, I’m happy to come to a game which is this big,’ he continued. ‘Having Lionel Messi, you know, playing against us, one of the best players to ever play this game, and probably this is going to be the first time in my life rooting against him. So Nashville, we’re gonna get this one.’

Afterwards, Antetokounmpo offered his support to Nashville SC fans online: ‘Didn’t get the results we wаnted but what a great atmosphere, @NashvilleSC we will be back stronger and better than ever.’