Stephen Curry is no stranger to making predictions under pressure, but this time the four-time NBA champion has turned his attention from basketball to the FIFA World Cup.

With anticipation building ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, the Golden State Warriors star shared his thoughts on who he believes will lift the trophy.

Curry admitted that choosing against Lionel Messi is simply too difficult, citing the Argentine captain’s remarkable influence and the momentum surrounding his team.

Speaking in comments shared by All About Argentina on X, Curry said:

“Who will win on Sunday? It’s hard to go against Messi! It seems like a faith is in their hands. Sunday is going to be fun.”

Although brief, Curry’s remarks reflected the admiration many athletes outside soccer have for Messi, whose career has transcended the sport and earned praise from stars across the sporting world.

Rather than making a prediction based solely on tactics or statistics, Curry suggested that Argentina appears to have destiny on its side heading into the championship match.

That belief has become a common theme throughout Argentina’s tournament, as Lionel Scaloni‘s squad has repeatedly found ways to navigate difficult moments on its journey to another World Cup final.

Messi, meanwhile, has once again been the central figure. Even in the later stages of his career, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has continued to produce decisive performances while leading a talented Argentine side featuring Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Emiliano Martínez.

Spain, however, arrives with every reason to feel confident as well.

The European champions have impressed throughout the tournament with their possession-based approach, disciplined defensive structure and dynamic young core.

Their blend of experienced veterans and emerging stars has made them one of the competition’s most complete teams, setting up what many consider one of the strongest World Cup finals in recent memory.

Curry’s admiration for Messi is nothing new

Curry’s prediction is hardly surprising considering the respect he has shown Messi over the years.

The NBA superstar has often spoken about athletes whose greatness extends beyond their own sport, regularly mentioning soccer icons alongside basketball legends.

Messi’s longevity, consistency and ability to perform under immense pressure have made him one of the world’s most recognizable athletes, qualities Curry has frequently admired.

The feeling is largely mutual. Messi has previously praised elite performers from other sports, including NBA stars, reflecting the growing relationship between basketball and global football.

International sporting events have increasingly brought athletes together, whether through Olympic competition, promotional appearances or crossover media events.

Curry himself has become one of basketball’s biggest global ambassadors, while Messi remains one of the most influential figures in world sport.

The World Cup has also attracted significant attention from athletes across the NBA. Current and former players routinely share predictions, celebrate memorable goals and attend matches whenever schedules permit.

For Curry, Sunday’s final represents another opportunity to watch one of sport’s greatest competitors perform on the biggest stage.

His comments also arrive during an offseason filled with speculation surrounding his Golden State Warriors teammate Draymond Green and longtime friend LeBron James, but Curry has frequently taken time away from basketball discussions to celebrate other sports, particularly soccer.

Regardless of whether Argentina fulfills Curry’s prediction, the matchup promises to deliver one of the year’s biggest sporting spectacles.

Argentina enters the final hoping to add another World Cup title to its rich football history while further cementing Messi’s extraordinary legacy. Spain, meanwhile, is aiming to reclaim football’s biggest prize and confirm the rise of another golden generation.

Curry may believe that “faith” favors Argentina, but he also acknowledged that the occasion itself is likely to produce unforgettable drama.

As he put it, “Sunday is going to be fun.”

Whether Messi and Argentina complete the journey or Spain spoils the party, millions of fans, including one of basketball’s greatest shooters, will be watching to see who ultimately lifts the World Cup trophy.