Steph Curry Shows Off the Soccer Skills He Learned From Lionel Messi

Stephen Curry is one of the most recognizable and skilled athletes in the world. A household name thanks to his incredible achievements on the basketball court, Curry has transformed the game of basketball with his shooting prowess, leadership, and unmatched work ethic. But what if we told you that the skills that have made him a living legend in the NBA extend beyond basketball? What if Stephen Curry, the man responsible for revolutionizing the way the game of basketball is played, also boasts a hidden talent—soccer?

Curry’s basketball IQ is second to none, but his newfound interest in soccer has taken fans by surprise. To many, the thought of Curry, a player whose primary focus is basketball, stepping onto a soccer field and showcasing his skills would seem out of place. However, Curry has proved time and time again that he isn’t afraid to push the boundaries of what people expect from him. Recently, he stunned fans when he revealed that he had been working on his soccer skills—skills that were directly inspired by one of soccer’s greatest players: Lionel Messi.

While Curry’s basketball background doesn’t necessarily suggest a direct connection to soccer, the overlap between these two sports is clear. The skills required in both games—precision, footwork, agility, and a keen sense of timing—are incredibly similar. But when Curry, known for his impeccable shooting form and dazzling ball-handling abilities on the court, started showing off his soccer talent, it quickly became clear that his love for the game of soccer was not just a passing interest—it was the result of focused effort, determination, and a desire to learn from the very best.

This unexpected journey of learning soccer from Messi has added yet another layer to Curry’s already diverse and fascinating skill set. Let’s explore how Curry embraced soccer, learned from one of the greatest players in history, and used those lessons to add a unique twist to his athletic abilities.

The Unexpected Intersection of Basketball and Soccer

At first glance, basketball and soccer may seem like two completely different worlds. Basketball requires verticality, explosive athleticism, and an emphasis on quick lateral movement, while soccer demands agility, stamina, and the ability to manipulate a ball with precision using your feet. But as Curry’s foray into soccer demonstrates, the overlap between the two sports is undeniable. The footwork and coordination that are essential to soccer are very much applicable to basketball, particularly when it comes to creating space, pivoting, and making quick directional changes.

Curry, known for his exceptional ability to break down defenders and create open shots with his quickness and precise movements, found that the skills required to succeed in soccer mirrored many of the principles that had made him a star in the NBA. The need to be agile, creative, and precise on the basketball court translated naturally to the soccer field, and Curry’s thirst for learning began to merge the two.

Why Messi?

When Stephen Curry decided to branch out into the world of soccer, there was no question in his mind about who he would model his game after. Messi, widely considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, became Curry’s source of inspiration. Messi’s combination of vision, creativity, dribbling ability, and playmaking genius made him the perfect role model for Curry. After all, Messi has defined the sport of soccer for over a decade with his low center of gravity, precise control, and ability to navigate the most complex of situations with ease.

Curry has always respected Messi’s approach to the game. Like Curry in basketball, Messi has redefined the parameters of what is possible on a soccer field. His dribbling, passing, and shooting skills are legendary, and his ability to change the course of a game with a single moment of brilliance is something that resonated deeply with Curry. Both players, though operating in different sports, share a common ethos—one of using intelligence, creativity, and unrelenting work ethic to outsmart their opponents.

For Curry, Messi’s success didn’t come by relying solely on brute force or athleticism. Instead, Messi’s brilliance was built on finesse, control, and an innate understanding of the game. It was these qualities that Curry sought to integrate into his own athletic repertoire, even if it meant stepping away from the basketball court to learn a new sport.

Curry’s Training Regimen

Though Curry’s roots are firmly planted in basketball, the idea of taking his talents to the soccer field wasn’t as far-fetched as it may seem. Curry has always been someone who has sought to perfect his craft. His work ethic is well-documented; from his relentless practice routines to his offseason training regimens, Curry constantly pushes himself to improve. And so, when Curry decided to learn soccer, he approached it with the same level of dedication and commitment that he has applied to basketball.

Curry’s soccer training, which he undertook over a series of months, was designed to improve his footwork, agility, and ball control—elements that translate into both sports. Curry worked with professional soccer trainers who had experience working with elite athletes. These coaches focused on refining Curry’s dribbling technique and understanding of soccer strategy, particularly Messi’s famed dribbling style, which involves keeping the ball close to the feet while maintaining the ability to change direction in a split second. The emphasis was on small, precise movements that would allow Curry to navigate tight spaces—something Curry already excels at in basketball.

In addition to working on his footwork, Curry also studied Messi’s movements on the field, watching hours of footage to understand how the Argentine superstar reads the game, controls possession, and makes decisions. Curry noted that one of Messi’s greatest talents was his ability to pick out the smallest of spaces and create opportunities in tight, high-pressure situations. Curry realized that the ability to maintain calm in these situations would be key to applying soccer skills to his own athleticism.

For Curry, the challenge wasn’t simply learning to dribble or pass a soccer ball—it was learning the intricacies of the game itself. From understanding positioning to recognizing the importance of vision on the field, Curry delved deep into the tactical side of soccer. This study not only improved his technical abilities but also deepened his appreciation for Messi’s approach to the sport.

Curry Shows Off His Soccer Skills

It wasn’t long before Curry’s soccer training began to bear fruit. The first hint that Curry was excelling came when he showed off his impressive dribbling skills on social media. In a series of videos shared online, Curry demonstrated his ability to navigate through cones, execute precise passes, and even make delicate chips with the ball—all moves that echoed Messi’s style on the field. Fans and analysts alike were impressed by Curry’s natural feel for the ball and his ability to mimic Messi’s signature moves.

In one particular video, Curry performed a near-perfect “La Croqueta” move, one of Messi’s signature dribbles, where the ball is pushed from one foot to the other to glide past a defender. Curry’s seamless execution of the move highlighted just how much effort he had put into his soccer training. Not only was Curry learning the moves, but he was mastering them to a level that many would consider professional-grade.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Curry’s soccer skills is how effortlessly he transitioned from basketball to soccer. Just as Curry is able to make seemingly impossible shots on the basketball court with ease, he applied that same sense of fluidity and control to his soccer training. His low center of gravity, a key component of his basketball game, worked in his favor as he navigated tight spaces on the soccer field.

In addition to dribbling and passing, Curry also showcased his ability to shoot the ball with precision. Taking inspiration from Messi’s ability to place shots with laser-like accuracy, Curry worked on his own shooting form, and it showed. Whether it was curling a shot into the top corner of the net or placing a ball perfectly past a goalkeeper, Curry’s understanding of aiming and precision translated well to soccer.

The Messi Effect on Curry’s Basketball Game

While Curry’s soccer journey may have seemed like an unexpected detour, it’s important to note that his newfound soccer skills have had a profound impact on his basketball game. Curry’s footwork, which was already elite, has become even more refined. His ability to change direction in an instant and navigate tight spaces has become even more pronounced, allowing him to create separation from defenders with even greater ease.

Curry’s improved dribbling and vision on the basketball court have also been influenced by his time learning from Messi. His ability to make quick decisions and read the floor in high-pressure situations has taken a step forward, and his basketball IQ has expanded. Messi’s influence has allowed Curry to become even more unpredictable on the court, adding new dimensions to his already multifaceted skill set.

As Curry’s soccer skills continue to grow, it’s clear that his journey into the world of soccer has only enhanced his basketball abilities. The two sports, though distinct, share many similar elements, and Curry has proven once again that his commitment to mastering any sport he touches knows no bounds.

Stephen Curry’s soccer journey is not just an example of an athlete pushing his limits—it’s a reflection of his character and work ethic. Just as he has revolutionized basketball, Curry is now bringing that same dedication and creativity to the soccer field. Learning from one of the greatest players in the world, Lionel Messi, Curry has not only gained a new set of skills but has shown that the drive to improve is never limited to one sport or one aspect of life.

Curry’s journey into soccer is a testament to the power of cross-disciplinary learning, the importance of adapting and evolving, and the endless pursuit of greatness. With each soccer move he masters, Curry adds a new layer to his already remarkable legacy, further cementing his place as one of the greatest athletes of all time.