Dolphins star Chubb drops Messi bomb ahead of Bernabéu bow

The Miami Dolphins have barely touched down in Spain, and Bradley Chubb has already risked stirring up a little football rivalry. During a light-hearted training session at Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano stadium, the team’s social media crew asked players what position they would play if they swapped the gridiron for the soccer pitch.

While some fumbled for an answer, the 28-year-old linebacker didn’t hesitate. “Whatever Messi play, that’s what I would play,” Chubb said with a grin. “Couldn’t tell you where he plays, but hey, that’s me.”

From Miami to Madrid – and Messi in the middle

The remark was more than likely linked to Messi’s current association with Inter Miami, but it landed just days before the Dolphins face the Washington Commanders at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu, sorry, just Bernabéu – the first NFL game ever hosted at the iconic stadium, or in Spain.

Given Messi’s long and fierce rivalry with Los Blancos during his Barcelona years, the comment may not go unnoticed by local fans, many of whom still hold vivid memories of the Argentine dismantling their team in Clásicos.

Playful jab or accidental provocation?

Chubb, who stands 6 ft 4 in and weighs around 268 lb, is unlikely to find himself sprinting down the touchline any time soon. But his Messi homage has given the Madrid press and fans a cheeky subplot to chew on ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

If the Dolphins walk out to a few whistles from the stands, they’ll know why. In Spain’s capital, invoking Messi – even by accident – is a surefire way to make headlines.

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