Steph Curry has explained why he is aiming to “emulate” Lionel Messi, with the NBA icon admitting that “greatness inspires greatness”.

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World Cup winner a role model to millionsFellow professionals inspired by himBasketball legend prolonging his own careerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Golden State Warriors stalwart Curry will go down in history as an all-time great in basketball circles with four NBA titles, two MVP awards, an Olympic gold medal and a number of impressive records to his name. Argentine icon Messi enjoys GOAT status in his sporting profession of choice.

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The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been a role model to millions throughout his career, with nobody in the soccer game able to match his haul of major trophies. Messi is still going strong in MLS at 37 years of age, with Inter Miami benefiting from his presence in Florida.

WHAT STEPH CURRY SAID

Curry admits to looking to a fellow superstar in the United States for inspiration, telling reporters of retaining his own appetite for success at the age of 36: “Greatness inspires greatness in many ways. There’s nothing specific you can apply from football to basketball. It’s about longevity, creativity, and his [Messi’s] impact on the sport worldwide.

“We appreciate greatness, of course, he inspires you to keep going and to keep doing things your way. I have the utmost respect for him for how he takes care of himself both on and off the field. I try to emulate the same.”

WHAT NEXT?

Messi is heading into the final year of his contract with Inter Miami, but has the option for an extension through 2026 – which would include the next World Cup. Curry, meanwhile, is battling to keep GSW in contention for a play-off berth during the 2024-25 NBA campaign.