Lionel Messi Reveals His Sports Heroes: Tennis Legends and NBA Stars Make the Cut

Lionel Messi isn’t just good at soccer—he’s got taste when it comes to recognizing greatness in other sports too. In a recent interview with NBC News, the Inter Miami superstar got refreshingly real about the athletes who inspire him, and honestly? His picks are pretty spot-on.

Why the Big Three Had Messi’s Attention

When asked about athletes he admires, Messi didn’t hold back his appreciation for tennis royalty. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic all made his list, and for good reason.

“I admire tennis players like Federer, Rafa, and Djokovic,” Messi told NBC’s Tom Llamas. “I think the three of them made competition much bigger than it used to be. Competing for so long to be the best and being so close to each other made everything much more incredible.”

And you know what? He’s absolutely right. These three didn’t just dominate tennis—they pushed each other to levels nobody thought possible. Between them, they’ve racked up 66 Grand Slam titles (yes, you read that correctly), and their rivalry became the stuff of legend. Watching them battle it out year after year was like witnessing a masterclass in excellence, determination, and what happens when three generational talents collide at the same time.

The interesting part? Despite being fierce competitors, they maintained a level of mutual respect that’s rare in sports. Sure, Djokovic himself admitted in a TNT Sports interview that they were “never friends” because, well, true rivalry doesn’t really allow for that. But respect? That was always there.

Basketball Gets Its Due

But Messi wasn’t done name-dropping. He also gave major props to two NBA superstars who’ve been redefining basketball for over a decade.

“From basketball, LeBron and Steph Curry, they’re players I’ve admired a lot and I think they’ve read the game deeply and each of them elevates their sport in their own way,” Messi shared.

LeBron James and Stephen Curry represent two completely different approaches to basketball greatness. LeBron’s the physical specimen who combines power, court vision, and basketball IQ in ways we’ve rarely seen. Curry? He literally changed how the game is played with his otherworldly shooting ability. Teams restructured their entire offensive systems because of what he could do from beyond the arc.

It’s telling that Messi, who’s been called the greatest soccer player of all time by many, can appreciate the unique qualities these athletes bring to their respective sports. There’s something poetic about watching one GOAT recognize other GOATs.

The Maradona and Jordan Connection

Of course, no conversation about sports greatness would be complete without mentioning two names that transcend their sports: Diego Maradona and Michael Jordan.

Messi reflected on Maradona’s impact—a particularly personal topic given their shared Argentine heritage and the constant comparisons throughout Messi’s career. “For us [Argentinians], Maradona was the greatest idol and a source of admiration for everything he represented. Even though I was little and didn’t see much of him play live, Diego transcended everything.”

Then Messi drew the parallel to Jordan: “Speaking of another sport, I think it was the same with Jordan.”

Both Maradona and Jordan became more than athletes—they became cultural phenomena. They didn’t just win; they won with style, with flair, with moments that became etched in sports history forever. The “Hand of God” goal. Jordan’s “Flu Game.” These weren’t just athletic achievements; they were moments that defined eras.

What This Tells Us About Greatness

Here’s the thing about Messi’s list—it’s not random. Every athlete he mentioned shares something in common: they didn’t just dominate their sport, they elevated it. They made everyone around them better, pushed boundaries that seemed unbreakable, and did it all while maintaining a level of excellence that seemed almost unfair to their competition.

Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic turned tennis into must-watch TV every time they stepped on court together. LeBron and Curry have given us some of the most memorable NBA Finals battles in recent history. Maradona and Jordan became global icons that even non-sports fans recognized.

And let’s be honest—Messi belongs in that conversation too. The guy has been making defenders look silly for nearly two decades now, winning everything there is to win in soccer (including that elusive World Cup in 2022).

Looking Ahead

As Messi continues his journey with Inter Miami, fresh off a 3-1 playoff victory against Nashville SC, he’s writing the final chapters of his legendary career. But even as he focuses on bringing more success to South Florida, it’s clear he’s still inspired by watching greatness unfold in other sports.

There’s something beautifully humble about one of the greatest athletes of all time still being a fan. Still watching. Still learning. Still appreciating what others bring to their craft.

Maybe that’s the real secret to sustained excellence—never losing that sense of wonder, never stopping to admire those who push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether it’s on a tennis court, a basketball floor, or a soccer pitch, greatness recognizes greatness.

And Messi? He’s got a pretty good eye for spotting it.