On a day when Lionel Messi inspired a spectacular comeback victory for Argentina at the FIFA World Cup, tennis legend Novak Djokovic also proved his resilience at Wimbledon. Both athletes, standing in the twilight phase of their careers, continue to prove why they rank higher among the legends of their games. Messi scored one goal and created another as Argentina edged past Egypt in a gripping knockout clash to seal a quarter-final berth. Djokovic, on the other hand, overcame a gritty Felix Auger-Aliassime in a marathon Wimbledon quarter-final, advancing to the next round.
Messi has been chasing his second World Cup after leading Argentina to become the champions in the 2022 edition. Djokovic also remains a few steps away from scripting history, as a Wimbledon triumph would secure his record-extending 25th Grand Slam.
Djokovic Reacts To Lionel Messi Comparison At Wimbledon 2026
After Djokovic won a five-hour-fifteen-minute battle to punch his ticket to the Wimbledon semi-finals, a journalist dropped a Lionel Messi reference at the post-match press conference. The Serbian tennis great responded with a cheeky remark, as it was highlighted how Messi keeps going to do wonders on the football field just like he does on the tennis court at the age of 39.
“Unbelievable how Messi is 39 years old and still scoring goals. And you win after 5 hours and 15 minutes,” the journalist said, and in reply, Djokovic quipped, “I would like to play 90 minutes like him, but…”
A video of his reaction went viral on social media, leading to a debate among football and tennis fans, as they argued which sport is more demanding.
Novak Djokovic asked about Lionel Messi “it would be nice to play 90 minutes like him” pic.twitter.com/1LLUIfwgHX
— asud (@asud683385) July 7, 2026
Djokovic Proves His Mettle Against Auger-Aliassime
Djokovic kept his Wimbledon 2026 title hopes alive with a hard-fought five-set victory over Auger-Aliassime, winning 6-7(10), 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(10). The 39-year-old once again raised eyebrows with his composure, recovering twice to force deciding sets before sealing the deal in a gripping final-set tiebreak. Meanwhile, on the same day, Alexander Zverev also advanced to the last four, while former champion Naomi Osaka bowed out of the women’s singles competition.
