aLionel Messi, 38, has renewed his contract with David Beckham’s team until the end of the 2028 season, when he will turn 41, after two successful years in MLS and Inter Miami, where he won two championships.
LeBron James, 40, plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and is in his 23rd NBA season (while recovering from a sciatica issue), while Novak Djokovic is 38 and has a 22-year career under his belt. What is the secret to their longevity?
Messi scores twice to give Miami the lead | Inter Miami 3-1 Nashville | Highlights and goals | MLS
Messi, LeBron and Djokovic share the same vision
After renewing his contract with Inter Miami, the Argentine captain explained the real reason behind his decision in an interview with NBC News: “I have always said that I make the decision to continue playing based on how I feel that day, both physically and mentally. And the truth is that I have felt really good this year. I feel happy.”
Similarly, Leo said his desire is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and defend the title he won with the Argentina national team in Qatar in 2022, but that it depends on his mental and physical condition.
“As you get older, you lose what you had when you were younger: speed, quick reactions, seeing the game faster, making quick decisions,” Messi said in a statement compiled by US Soccer Plus Global. “I continue to strive to do my best, making the most of my physical abilities and my playing style. I have tried to adapt to the new situation,” he added.
This seems to be the key to his success and extensive career. Flexibility to change playing styles and a powerful mindset that LeBron James also employs.
King James said about this a few years ago: “No matter what’s going on with me personally, bruises, bruises, fatigue, my job is to go out there and continue to perform at a high level.”
And Serbian tennis players are not far behind. He puts his health first, knows his limitations, and continues to give 100% in every match that comes his way.
“As long as that feeling is there, really that level is still alive and still exists. I feel like I want to keep moving forward,” Djokovic revealed in a recent interview. “I want to keep pushing myself to see if I can get into another tournament or a big tournament.”
Without a doubt, the vision of continuing to compete for as long as your body allows and your team requires is one shared by all three legends. They are also adaptable, flexible and have an elite mindset.
