Though they have never actually met, Lionel Messi and Stephen Curry have developed somewhat of a relationship. You might even go so far as to call it a bromance. Despite living thousands of miles apart and being stars in totally different sports, each has given praise for the others’ style of play in their respective sport.

In an essay he wrote for Sports Illustrated, Messi shares his admiration for Steph Curry, the similarities between their styles of play, and his hope to meet Curry while in the U.S. for Copa America.

“Soccer will be the main focus while I'm in the Bay Area, naturally, but part of me is also hoping to meet Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors,” Messi wrote.

“Seeing him play is magical. Everyone loves what he does: basketball fans, teammates, rivals. Our small sizes, and even our playing styles, are similar. In December he sent me his signed Warriors jersey. I sent my signed shirt back in April to return the favor.”

“If you watch Curry play – or, just as revealing, warm up before the game – you notice his relationship with the ball,” he wrote. “It's like his body and mind are always on the same wavelength with el balon (the ball). I try to have that connection with the ball in my sport, too.”

Messi may have to watch Game 5 of the Western conference Finals if he wants to see any more of Curry, because it might be the last time he sees the Warriors' star until next season. The Warriors trail the Thunder 3-1 in the series and must win every game from here on out to advance to the finals. While it's hard to completely count out the 73-win team, most have come to accept the Thunder will win this series.

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