Lionel Messi and Novak Djokovic are two big stars in the world of sports. Heroes respect heroes, Messi and Djokovic repeatedly praised and encouraged each other during important milestones in each other’s careers.

After Argentina’s captain was crowned world champion in winter 2022, Djokovic sent his congratulations, acknowledged his admiration and respect, and called Messi the “biggest idol” in his life.

In an interview with ESPN at the end of 2023, the Serbian tennis player was full of praise for Messi.

Djokovic also took time off to cheer for Messi playing in MLS. He shared details about the conversation with the Argentina star: “This is the second time we met. We talked for 15 minutes about everything, I wanted to meet him and talk again. Messi is a phenomenon. He is a great champion, I respect him very much.”

After meeting, Djokovic also posted a photo taken with L.Messi, causing social networks to explode at that time.

Less than a year after this interaction, Djokovic became the 5th player to win the “Golden Slam” in his career, including 4 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal.

At the age of 37, after many attempts, he was honored for the first time at the Olympics with the men’s singles event. Previously, people who did this include Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal.

The gold medal completes Djokovic’s illustrious legacy, affirming his position as GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) of tennis.

Previously, he held the record for the number of Grand Slam titles (24) in men’s singles, ahead of his great rivals Nadal (22) and Roger Federer (20).

In football, Messi also became the GOAT after winning the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America. He wrote his name in history as the player with the most championships (45).

In addition to their fulfilling careers, Messi and Djokovic have many things in common in their personal lives. Both were born in 1987, have a happy family with their wives who have been with them for more than a decade.

For Djokovic, he always had his wife Jelena by his side throughout his career. She and her two children are always present when this tennis player competes. The couple started dating in 2005, got engaged in September 2013 before getting married a year later.

Djokovic’s love has gone through many ups and downs under the pressure of the public and media. His wife once shared the difficulties of being the partner of one of the most famous athletes in history. But after all, the couple still overcomes it together and lives happily.

Messi also knew his wife Antonela Roccuzzo when they were children, the two grew up together and have been close until now. The couple had two sons before getting married in 2017. A year later, Antonela gave birth to their third son.

Even though he is famous and rich, this striker creates a lot of sympathy by being single with his wife for more than 20 years. The small family many times made the audience admire when they showed their sweet affection and care on the field.