The match between LAFC and Inter Miami in the 2025 Concachampions Quarterfinals at Banc of California Stadium was not only a sporting spectacle but also the setting for a historic moment for Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors basketball player, who was present at the stadium as a spectator, had the unique opportunity to watch Lionel Messi live for the first time after years of a long-distance friendship between the two sports icons.
Curry, often compared to the Argentine star for his creativity and longevity in basketball, has shared a mutual respect with Messi for years. Since 2015, the two have exchanged jerseys, celebrations, and words of admiration. On this occasion, when Curry was caught on camera at the stadium, LAFC fans did not hold back, booing him at the minute 29 of the game, with the score still 0-0. The surprise came when Curry, with a playful gesture, joined in on the boos, creating an even bigger stir among the crowd.
Lionel Messi gets ordered by his son when subbing in to celebrate the way he wants it
Messi and Curry: A friendship from afar
This moment adds another chapter to the relationship between Curry and Messi, who have supported and admired each other from a distance without ever playing on the same field. In a recent interview with journalist Toni Canyameras, Curry expressed his respect for Messi: “Greatness inspires greatness in many different ways. It’s not something you can directly apply from football to basketball, but it’s about creativity, longevity, and the impact on sports and the world,” Curry said, highlighting how Messi has inspired him to keep pushing forward in his own career.
2015 was a pivotal year for both, as Curry won his first NBA title and a historic unanimous MVP award, while Messi celebrated his fourth Champions League with Barcelona. That same year, Messi publicly thanked Curry for sending him an autographed jersey with the number 30, in honor of Messi’s 30 million Instagram followers.
Despite the challenges the Warriors are facing this season, Curry remains one of the most influential figures in sports. His presence at Banc of California Stadium, even marked by the unexpected booing, didn’t diminish the fact that he had an unforgettable experience watching Messi in action. The connection between these two titans of their respective sports remains a symbol of mutual respect and admiration, solidifying itself as one of the most genuine relationships in the history of sports.
