Steph Curry is still turning in top-class performances on a weekly basis (Image: Getty)
Steph Curry has lauded football maestro and talisman . The four-time title-winner is still going strong despite entering his twilight years and recently inked a new contract extension with the .
Clocking in at 36, Curry is delivering an average of 22.7 points per game this campaign, alongside 6.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds. While these are not exactly classic Curry levels, his numbers have been hamstrung by the fact Steve Kerr’s current side are not what they once were, having been one of the top dogs that ruled the NBA from 2014-2022.
For eight years, Steph and his Warriors reshaped basketball’s horizon, seizing championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022 thanks to a formidable squad with Curry at the helm, sinking signature three-pointers. Despite their past dominance, the Warriors are finding this season tough going with a middling record of 19-20 and stranded at 12th place in the Western Conference.
Yet Curry, reflecting on a recent defeat by the Toronto Raptors, revealed how Messi, the fulcrum of David Beckham’s Inter Miami’s setup, spurs him on as he edges towards hanging up his sneakers. He told media recently: “Greatness inspires greatness in many ways. There’s nothing specific you can apply from football to basketball,” reports .
“It’s about longevity, creativity, and [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.”
While Curry hasn’t set a definitive end date for his career, the Golden State Warriors star – whose contract runs until 2026 – hinted at retirement thoughts in a December 2024 interview with ESPN. He said: “It’s okay to accept and acknowledge that the end is near.”
Lionel Messi has enjoyed a remarkable footballing career (Image: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)
On the other hand, Argentinian football legend Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, is navigating the twilight years of his illustrious career in the . Despite leading Miami to a record-breaking season in the Eastern Conference, their unexpected early playoff departure at the hands of Atlanta United was a surprise to many fans.
Yet, as Messi turns 38 this year, he remains tight-lipped about his plans. He shared with Forbes in October: “I didn’t set any date or deadline about my future. I’m just enjoying all this.” He has also intriguingly suggested that his career could extend further, with whispers of a potential new contract with Miami that would see him stay at the club beyond the 2026 World Cup.
He added: “I’ve always said that things happen for a reason and I never get ahead of myself. I live day by day, I try to enjoy every single moment, and when the time comes to decide if I can be at the next World Cup, we’ll see. Hopefully I can continue to perform at this level to feel good and to be happy because when I feel good, I can enjoy what I do.”
While Messi is boosting Miami’s performances, Curry has advised Golden State Warriors to remain composed amidst speculation about an attention-grabbing trade, with talks hinting at a move for Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler. The sharpshooter indicates the importance of not making rash decisions as the February 6 trade deadline looms, focusing on keeping the Warriors in a prosperous condition even after his departure.
“Desperate trades or desperate moves that deplete the future, there is a responsibility on allowing or keeping the franchise in a good space and good spot when it comes to where we leave this thing when we’re done,” he said. “Doesn’t mean that you’re not trying to get better.
“It doesn’t mean that you’re not active in any type of search to – if you have an opportunity where a trade makes sense or even in the summer free agency [move] makes sense. You want to continue to get better. Nobody wants to be stale or be in a situation where you’re passing up opportunities.
Curry is looking ahead with the Warriors after a tough season (Image: Getty)
“But it doesn’t mean that you’re desperate just flinging assets all around the place just because you want to do something. While we understand we’re getting older and deeper into our careers and allowing some of the young guys to kind of blossom, it doesn’t mean you’re getting desperate.”
Curry, a two-time league MVP with several formidable records that may stand unbeaten, has made the most three-pointers in NBA history and currently holds the all-time highest free-throw efficiency at 91 per cent. He also set the record for consecutive regular-season games with at least one three-pointer at 157.