Novak Djokovic could not resist a light-hearted response after being compared to Lionel Messi following his record-breaking Wimbledon quarter-final victory, with the Serbian pointing out one key difference between their remarkable exploits at 39.
The two sporting greats delivered memorable performances on the same day, with Messi inspiring Argentina into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals and Djokovic surviving the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history to keep his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title alive.
Novak Djokovic laughs off Lionel Messi comparison after Wimbledon marathon
Djokovic battled past Felix Auger-Aliassime in an extraordinary five-hour, 15-minute contest, winning 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(4) to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals.
During his post-match press conference, a journalist highlighted
that both Djokovic and Messi-born in 1987 and now 39 years old-had produced headline performances on the same day.
While Messi starred during Argentina's 90-minute World Cup victory over Egypt, Djokovic had spent more than five hours on Centre Court.
"I would like to play 90 minutes like him, but. " Djokovic replied with a smile, drawing laughter from the media room.
What did Lionel Messi and Novak Djokovic achieve on the same day?
Messi inspired Argentina's dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, contributing both a goal and an assist to help the defending champions reach the quarter-finals.
Hours later in London, Djokovic produced another display of remarkable endurance, overcoming Auger-Aliassime in what became the longest Wimbledon quarter-final ever played.
The Serbian also set another milestone by reaching his eighth consecutive Wimbledon semi-final, surpassing Roger Federer's previous record.
Novak Djokovic and Lionel Messi continue to redefine longevity
Although they compete in different sports, Djokovic and Messi have become symbols of longevity at the highest level.
At 39, Djokovic remains in contention for a historic 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would move him clear of Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 major singles championships.
Messi, meanwhile, continues to lead Argentina's World Cup defence while adding to an international career that has already established him among football's most decorated players.
Their ability to remain decisive at the highest level nearly two decades after their professional breakthroughs has drawn comparisons well beyond individual achievements.
Novak Djokovic vs Lionel Messi: How the two sporting greats compare
Despite competing in entirely different sports, both athletes have assembled records that place them among the greatest of all time.
Djokovic's career includes:
- 24 Grand Slam singles titles (men's record)
- Over 100 career ATP singles titles
- More than 1,100 match victories
- Over 400 weeks as world No. 1, the longest in ATP history
- Seven Wimbledon titles
Messi's achievements include:
- More than 850 senior career goals
- Over 45 major trophies
- Eight Ballon d'Or awards
- FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina
- More than 1,000 senior club appearances
While Djokovic's legacy is built around individual dominance in tennis, Messi's combines extraordinary individual numbers with sustained success for club and country.
Mutual admiration between Djokovic and Messi
The respect between the two icons extends beyond public comparisons.
Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children attended the Miami Open earlier this year to watch Djokovic in action, with the pair later meeting backstage to exchange signed shirts.
Djokovic has repeatedly praised Messi's longevity and achievements, while the Argentina captain has spoken of his admiration for the Serbian's consistency and competitiveness.
For now, both legends remain focused on adding another chapter to already unparalleled careers. Djokovic will face Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals as he chases a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, while Messi continues Argentina's bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to defend the FIFA World Cup successfully.
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