Lionel Messi is used to getting plaudits from his fellow soccer professionals but it appears his influence reaches far wider than the pitch.
The Argentine is back in training with Inter Miami ahead of the new MLS season but Mascherano is unsure how many minutes Messi will get over pre-season.
Inter Miami face Universitario de Deportes in one of their games and manager Fabian Bustos revealed his excitement at facing ‘the best in the world’ in Messi.
While many soccer players speak glowingly of Messi it appears his genius is also valued in the world of basketball.
Steph Curry big fan of Lionel Messi
The impact that the record-leading Ballon d’Or winner has had on world soccer is undeniable and Inter Miami’s Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s MLS impact.
Messi is yet to sign a new contract with Inter Miami but the club are set to begin new talks with the 37-year-old.
They will be eager to sign the Argentine to a new deal as his impact off the field is almost as big as on it, many Inter Miami players have spoken about their joys of playing with Messi.
Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry who has swapped jerseys with the Inter Miami star, was asked whether Messi had inspired him.
He said: “Greatness inspires greatness and you can show it in a lot of different ways. It’s not like there’s anything in particular that you can apply from soccer to basketball but just the longevity, creativity, his impact on sports around the world.
“You appreciate greatness for sure and it inspires you to keep going and doing it your way. I have the utmost respect for the way he carries himself on and off the pitch.”
Curry vs Messi – awards collection
While Messi is certainly one of the most decorated soccer stars in the history of the game, Curry is certainly right up there in the world of basketball.
Messi was recently named the MLS MVP for 2024, a type of award that Curry isn’t unfamiliar with winning himself.
Steph Curry has won two gold medals representing the U.S. men’s national team at the 2010 FIBA World Cup in Turkey and the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, Messi has secured his hands around the prestigious FIFA World Cup.
It’s fair to say the pair are rather successful but how do their accolades compare?
Messi vs Curry
- MVP Wins: Messi 11 v Curry 3
- Career titles: Messi 12 v Curry 4
- Team of the Year: Messi 12 v Curry (All-Star) 10
Messi may look to return the respect to Curry when he next takes to the field, he famously copied the NBA stars ‘go to sleep’ celebration during a match last season.