Nikola Jokic’s Historic Season Might Just Get Even Better but Soccer GOAT Lionel Messi Stands in His Way

Nikola Jokic and Lionel Messi, arguably two of the most intricate and excellent athletes, have both had an exceptional year. Both elite athletes achieved the highest honors in their respective sports, after facing heartbreaking losses. While Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a historic 2022-23 NBA championship, Messi lifted his most awaited trophy back in December 2022, the FIFA World Cup.

They will face off in a few hours time. Jokic and Messi have both been nominated for the ESPY Awards and will go face-to-face to win the prestigious award.

Who are Nikola Jokic and Lionel Messi?

Lionel Messi, the seven-time Ballon D’Or winner, needs little to no introduction to even the most casual of sports fans. After all, he’s one of the absolute greats of soccer. Sharing a rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo for over ten years, the Argentine never fails to entertain fans globally.

Despite his emotional and controversial exit, Leo has earned most of his accolades at Spanish soccer club FC Barcelona. Having won everything there is to win in Europe, the 2022 World Cup winner is now a part of Inter Miami. 

Born in Rosario, Argentina, on June 24th, 1987, the 36-year-old suffered from a growth deficiency in his childhood days. However, he battled major odds to make it big in the soccer world 

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Affectionately known by fans as The Joker, Nikola Jokic’s, season has been no less. After leading his team to the brilliant 2023 NBA title win, the Serbian beat the likes of LeBron James and the LA Lakers on the way.

Born in the Serbian city of Sombor on February 19th, 1995, he stands tall and proud at 7 feet. The two-time NBA MVP is a force of nature on the court. 

The youngest of three siblings, Jokic, was introduced to the game of basketball by his two elder brothers. He is most famously known for being drafted during a Taco Bell commercial during the 2014 NBA draft. Jokic definitely proved all of his doubters wrong!

Nikola Jokic: The Historic Season of the Most Versatile Big Man in NBA History

The Serbian has time and again been hailed as the Most Versatile Big Man in NBA history. This season, he proved it. The Denver Nuggets looked spectacular during the regular season and carried their fantastic form into the playoffs.

The 5-time NBA All-Star became the first player in NBA history to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a single season! And if that’s not enough, he’s also the first player to score over 500 points, 250 rebounds, and 150 assists in a postseason.

In fact, he also recorded a ridiculous 10 triple-doubles during the 2023 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. Along with a reliable teammate in Jamal Murray, The Joker led the Nuggets to their first NBA title in franchise history.

Deserving of all accolades, he is nominated for the Best Athlete in Men’s Sports category and the Best Championship Performance in the ESPN ESPY awards.

Jokic will face stiff competition from the likes of Lionel Messi and Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes to win the award to add another accolade to his incredible collection.

Jokic vs Messi: A Battle of Two GOATs for the Ultimate Recognition

Leo Messi led his Argentine side to their first World Cup since 1986. The soccer superstar scored 7 goals and recorded 3 assists during the tournament, just narrowly missing out on the Golden Boot to former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe.

However, he won the ultimate accolades while also adding a second Golden Ball award. The award is given to the World Cup’s best player. Beating that will be really tough for Jokic!

It will be a close battle as the Serbian has had an incredible year himself, both on and off the court. Not only an NBA title, Jokic also is the most popular NBA star on social media platforms, surpassing 300 million-plus views.

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Who deserves the ESPY award according to you? Let us know in the comments below.