Giannis Antetokounmpo has revealed that Lionel Messi’s remarkable career journey inspired his decision to embrace a new challenge after completing his blockbuster move to the Miami Heat.
The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player was officially introduced as the Heat’s newest superstar on Thursday following his trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, ending a hugely successful spell that included leading Milwaukee to the 2021 NBA championship.
Speaking during his unveiling in Miami, Antetokounmpo pointed to Messi as one of the greatest examples of sporting excellence, explaining that the Argentine legend’s longevity, discipline and leadership continue to motivate elite athletes across different sports.
The Greek forward had watched Messi guide Argentina into the FIFA World Cup final with a victory over England in Atlanta just a day before arriving in South Florida to begin the next chapter of his own career.
Reflecting on Messi’s journey from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and eventually Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Antetokounmpo admitted he admired how the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continued to thrive despite many believing his best years were behind him.
“Messi might go down as one of the best athletes of all time,” Antetokounmpo said.
“You’ve just got to follow. It’s hard. You have to be disciplined. You have to be dedicated to your craft. But it’s there. And if you want to follow, you follow. If you don’t want to follow, you go home.”
Messi has enjoyed remarkable success since arriving at Inter Miami in 2023, winning major honours while maintaining his place among football’s elite. His latest World Cup campaign has further strengthened his legacy, with Argentina now one victory away from another global triumph.
Antetokounmpo said watching Messi continue to perform at the highest level has reinforced the importance of taking care of his body and maintaining the discipline required to compete for championships.
“When you see that, you get inspired,” he added. “You definitely get inspired to take care of your body, to keep doing the right thing for your team.”
One moment that particularly caught Antetokounmpo’s attention came during Argentina’s victory over England when Messi was knocked to the ground before several teammates immediately rushed to his aid.
The NBA superstar believes that reaction highlighted the respect Messi has earned throughout his career through years of commitment, leadership and selflessness.
“You have to earn that,” Antetokounmpo said. “The respect that he has from his teammates, that’s earned… hopefully in my career I’m able to do something like that.”
Antetokounmpo now begins a fresh chapter with the Heat carrying similar ambitions, hoping to lead Miami back into championship contention while following the blueprint set by sporting icons such as Messi and LeBron James.
His arrival instantly raises expectations for the Heat, with fans eager to see whether one of basketball’s biggest stars can deliver another title in South Florida.
