Surrounded by security guards, LeBron James attends a promotional event at Phenom House, in Rio de Janeiro.(Photo: Leo Correa AP)
RIO DE JANEIRO — LeBron James is done making choices.
In his first appearance since announcing he was returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers, James said it's a toss-up between who's better, Lionel Messi or Neymar. He can't say who's going to win the World Cup final between Germany and Argentina, either.
"I think Germany has the better overall team. Argentina has one of the best players in the world, if not the best, with Messi," James said Saturday night during an appearance at Nike's "Casa Phenomenal." "That's why they play the game. We'll see what happens tomorrow.
"Hopefully it's a great one," he added.
James' announcement Friday afternoon that he is returning to his hometown after four years – and two titles – with the Miami Heat shook the sports world. He announced his decision in a Sports Illustrated essay, then left to come to Rio for the World Cup final without any further comment.
But in a Q&A during his Nike appearance, James called it "an exciting time."
"It's going to be unbelievable," he said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge."
And, he cracked, it reunites him with "one of my favorite teammates," Brazil native Anderson Varejao.
Varejao accompanied James to the event at Nike's interactive showcase. The warehouse-like space is open every Saturday to local children, who come to play soccer, basketball and video games, and meet some of their favorite athletes.
Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash made appearances earlier during the tournament, as did Ronaldo.
Wearing grey shorts and a light blue T-shirt, James was swarmed by kids when he arrived. He exchanged some high-fives and posed for pictures before the 10-minute Q&A with a Nike representative.
James is a big soccer fan – he's a part-owner in Liverpool – and said he was eager to see the final in person after watching the tournament from home.
"Just the excitement," he said of why he came. "The excitement around football, the excitement around the world. It brings everybody into the sport, and I'm happy to be a part of the excitement now that I'm here."
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