💥 BREAKING NEWS: Novak Djokovic admits he felt a rare surge of nerves and pride playing in front of Lionel Messi for the first time, calling it “an honor to perform before the king of football” as the stadium erupted in disbelief ⚡IH

However, given the longevity he has engineered whilst remaining at the top of the game, perhaps the greatest athlete of all time would be a more appropriate debate.

After all, at 39 years old, he is coming off the back of a season where he reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments, a feat that would mark the best year of most players’ lives.

With superstars like this, it’s therefore always interesting to see how they interact with others of their kind from different sports.

Earlier this year, we saw exactly that, as Lionel Messi came to watch Djokovic play in Miami.

How Novak Djokovic reacted to being watched by Lionel Messi

Having moved to America in 2023, joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami, the legendary Argentinian appears to have enjoyed his spell away from European football thus far.

After all, he has just helped guide his team to become Eastern Conference champions, and will compete in the MLS Cup final later this week for the ultimate prize in US ‘soccer’.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Back in March, however, he was enjoying some downtime, and made the short trip to the local tennis facilities to watch Djokovic play in his semi-final.

Afterwards, speaking about having such a legendary guest in attendance, the Serbian admitted: “Amazing to have him. It is a great honour to play, probably for the first time, in front of him live.

“I am really grateful he was here with his son and the family. I admired him, of course – as most of the world did – for most of his career and it is amazing he still keeps going.

“We are actually the same age, born in 1987, so it is nice to have him around.”

Novak Djokovic has also earned the respect of Cristiano Ronaldo

Clearly admired by Messi, given he took the time to come and watch him play, this is not the only footballing icon to have made a public endorsement for the 39-year-old.

In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken openly about his admiration for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, highlighting a common interest between two of the greatest footballers of all time.

These are three supreme sportsmen who have revolutionised their respective fields.

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

When asked about modern athletes that inspire him just last month, Ronaldo actually admitted: “Djokovic in tennis. He is a great example of greatness in sport.”