Copyright Athlon Sports
Lionel Messi, along with personalities like LeBron James and Novak Djokovic, are among the biggest sports figures in the United States. Messi, 38, arrived in Major League Soccer in the summer of 2023 and since then has generated a significant impact, capturing the attention of a larger audience. The Argentine star recently extended his contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 MLS season, just months before the Florida club unveils its new stadium, Miami Freedom Park. Messi is expected to be the main promoter for the franchise to continue breaking attendance records, but now in its new venue. How Messi, Lebron, and Djokovic Are Evolving Their Game to Defy Age In statements gathered by US Soccer Plus Global, Messi made some statements that remind us of veteran figures like the aforementioned LeBron, 40, and Djokovic, 38. “As you get older, you lose things you had when you were younger, like speed, quickness of reaction, seeing the game faster, and making decisions quickly,” Messi said. “Sometimes your mind is faster than your legs… But I think I’ve always tried to overcome those things,” he added. “I continue to try to give my best, making the most of my physical abilities and my playing style. I’ve tried to adapt to the new circumstances.” Both Messi and LeBron have modified their playing style in recent years, moving from being players who relied on their physical explosiveness to adopting a style more dependent on their game IQ, dosing their efforts. “Just staying ready. The main thing tonight was the [Sacramento] Kings, and no matter fatigue, no matter what’s going on with me personally as far as bumps and bruises and fatigue, whatever, my job is to go out and still perform at a high level,” James said a couple of years ago. Djokovic, for his part, did something similar to the Argentine, by refining his diet, physical preparation and mentality to continue being dominant despite his age.
