Tennis legend Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, sparked headlines during a playful discussion at the Monte Carlo Masters when he named Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi as the greatest athlete of all time, placing the soccer icon above NFL icon Tom Brady and even himself.
In a fun segment hosted by the ATP Tour and Overtime’s social media team, Djokovic was tasked with ranking some of the biggest names in sports history. The Serbian star, known for his competitive edge and wit, didn’t hesitate when faced with the choice between Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, and Messi, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner and 2022 World Cup hero. With a smile, Djokovic declared, “Sorry, Tom. Messi.”
The conversation took an even more intriguing turn when Djokovic was asked to compare himself to the Argentine maestro. Without missing a beat, he reiterated, “Messi,” tipping his cap to the Inter Miami captain’s unparalleled legacy. The exchange highlighted the mutual respect shared among elite athletes across different sports, with Djokovic acknowledging Messi’s global impact.
Djokovic’s admiration for Messi is no surprise. The two have crossed paths before, most notably at the 2025 Miami Open, where Messi attended Djokovic’s semifinal match, and the pair exchanged gifts in a viral moment. Their camaraderie reflects a shared understanding of what it takes to dominate at the highest level, with both athletes born in 1987 and still competing at the pinnacle of their respective fields.