It is incredible to think that, with athletes across sports getting bigger, faster and stronger each and every the year, the two players most dominating their respective sports are not "big guys" at all. The two players are, of course, Messi and Curry (a.k.a. Lionel Messi and Steph Curry).
This is not to say that Lionel Messi is not fast (he absolutely is), or that he isn’t strong. You have to strong to compete at his level. When you look at Messi, though, you don’t see a rare genetic specimen equipped to dominate because of his physical gifts. Instead, Messi's skills are so otherworldly that he can amaze without the benefit of being bigger and stronger than his competition.
Likewise, in the NBA, Steph Curry is turning the league upside down – and doing so in a sport that has been dominated by players who are bigger and stronger for generations.
When Lionel Messi hit 30 million Instagram followers, Curry sent him an autographed jersey. (Photo: Twitter)
The comparison between Messi and Curry is so clear, in fact, that Curry himself remarked on it during an NBA international conference call:
"We both have a creative style," Curry said of himself and Messi. "A feel when you are out on the pitch or the court. I'm trying to do some fancy things out there with both hands, making crossover moves and having a certain flair to my game and that's definitely the style Messi has when he is out there in his matches."
"I love watching him play, I'm a big fan and he's the guy you watch play because you never know what he is going to do at any particular moment. When he is on TV everyone is glued in because he can get the touch of the ball and something special can happen. You have to appreciate that kind of talent."
Appreciate it the fans do. What these two athletes have been able to achieve is extraordinary. And it prompted us to take a closer look at the style of play from Lionel Messi and Stephen Curry and to examine the real similarities.
It is more than stature that makes the two so similar. It is their sheer talent. Watching them dribble, pass, shoot, and score from anywhere is an absolute thing of beauty. It is a testament to the work each puts into his craft.
Related: The 10 Times Lionel Messi Utterly Embarrassed A Great Player
Comparing The Skills Of Messi and Curry
#1 – Dribbling
First up is dribbling ability. Each athlete is considered by many to be the best dribbler in his respective sport. Here are some highlights that show the similarities and how they got that title.
First, Messi:
Now let's watch Curry:
#2 – Passing
Along with their absolute command of the ball, both are amazing passers. Here are some of their best passes to compare.
Messi passing:
And now Curry passing:
#3 – Scoring
Passing is great, but what these guys do best is score. It doesn’t matter where they are, who is around them, or what the situation may be. Realistic or not, any time Messi and Curry have that ball you expect to see points scored. There are plenty of highlights to pick from, but these are just special.
Messi scoring:
Curry scoring:
If, after watching these clips you still don't believe that Messi and Curry share something special, put on your glasses and watch again.
