Giannis Antetokounmpo calls 39-year-old Lionel Messi an inspiration before 2026 World Cup Final

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Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is in awe of what Lionel Messi is achieving at 39 years old with Argentina.

Miami will be home to two of the best athletes in their respective sports next season, as Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami after an incredible World Cup, where he’s awaiting the Final against Spain.

Messi will be joined by former two-time NBA MVP and 2021 Champion Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s already in awe of the superstar footballer with whom he shares a city.

Lionel Messi’s greatness inspires Giannis Antetokounmpo

During his introductory press conference as a member of the Miami Heat, Giannis opened up on Messi’s greatness after leading Argentina to a comeback 2-1 semi-final win against England.

“We witnessed greatness. Messi might go down as one of the best athletes of all-time… He’s up there with other athletes like Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Michael Phelps, and Usain Bolt. At the end of the day, when you see that, you get inspired.”

“The respect he has from his teammates is earned. That’s the blueprint. LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, they’ve set the blueprint, you’ve just got to follow it.”

Antetokounmpo has been a lifelong football fan, so he’s seen the entirety of Messi’s career play out atop the world’s stage. He did shout out other generational athletes in their fields, but what Messi is doing at 39 years old at the 2026 World Cup is unprecedented in football.

It’s enough of an inspiration to Messi’s teammates that they shed tears and fight with passion for him, but it’s also an inspiration to a master in a different discipline, like Giannis, as a benchmark for what a true leader can bring out of his teammates.

Messi has eight goals and four assists in the 2026 competition, setting records in both goalscoring and assists during this edition.

There’s never been an outfield player with this elite production in international football ever before, and Messi can solidify his legacy in gold with one more win against Spain on Sunday.