Stephen Curry has spent his life rethinking what’s possible in basketball. He has redefined long-range shooting, won four NBA titles, and been named MVP twice. Even so, he’s looking beyond the court for a spark that keeps him striving. He’s looking at Lionel Messi.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has spent nearly two decades dazzling crowds with creativity and precision. His recent move to Inter Miami doesn’t seem to have dimmed his thirst for success. Curry finds inspiration in the way Messi still competes, even as he enters the final years of his soccer journey.
“I have the utmost respect for him for how he takes care of himself both on and off the field,” Curry told reporters after a recent Warriors game. “I try to emulate the same.”
How Steph Curry finds fresh motivation in Lionel Messi’s relentless drive
This cross-sport admiration isn’t only about on-field skills. Curry sees the bigger picture: “Greatness inspires greatness in many ways,” he said. “There’s nothing specific you can apply from football to basketball, it’s about longevity, creativity, and his impact on the sport worldwide. We appreciate greatness, of course, he inspires you to keep going and to keep doing things your way.”
At 36, Curry knows his window for piling up more rings may be closing. Yet he’s confident that chasing championships shouldn’t mean rolling the dice on reckless trades. “Desperate trades or desperate moves that deplete the future… doesn’t mean you’re not trying to get better,” he said, emphasizing that measured decisions can help his franchise in the long run.
While he’s set countless NBA records, such as most three-pointers made (3,882 and counting) and an all-time free throw accuracy of 91 percent, he still sees value in Messi’s ongoing drive. Messi’s quest for trophies with Inter Miami, and his pledge to bounce back after a tough playoff exit, reaffirms that fierce competitive spirit knows no bounds.
Curry’s respect is rooted in understanding how difficult it is to sustain excellence. Messi’s unique global influence motivates Curry to keep refining his own craft and to lead with humility. That, in turn, makes Curry an icon for the next generation of players hoping to follow in his footsteps.
No one stays at the top forever. But as Curry shows, and as Messi continues to prove, there’s always another challenge ahead. And it’s in that shared appetite for greatness, regardless of the game, that true legends find their bond.
Longevity in focus: Steph Curry looks to Messi for motivation
