Sport

Novak Djokovic and Lionel Messi exchanged signed jersey’s after qualifying for Miami Open Final, makes ominous comments after Messi’s son Sets Him a Challenge

Published

3 days ago

March 29, 2025

KELVIN

Novak Djokovic acknowledged the presence of another legendary athlete as Lionel Messi witnessed his latest masterpiece at the Miami Open.

Djokovic defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 in just 69 minutes, advancing to the Miami Open final on Sunday.

If the famous Serbian wins that match, he would have won his 100th career title and added another astounding record to an already impressive resume.

While Djokovic’s brilliance on court was mesmerising, a lot of the attention off the court was focused on Argentinian soccer great Messi, who watched Djokovic in action from the stands.

Novak Djokovic and Lionel Messi exchanged their signed jersey's after he qualified for Miami Open Final.

GOAT x GOAT 🇦🇷🇷🇸🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/gB4QybDKcy

— Messi FC World (@MessiFCWorld) March 29, 2025

Inter Miami star Messi posed for a photo with Djokovic and Argentine tennis great Juan Martin del Potro after the match, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion honoured to play in front of another sporting giant.

“It’s a great honour to have King Leo in the stands. I think it’s the first time I’ve played in front of Messi, and honestly, I was a little nervous,” said Djokovic.

“I am very grateful for his attendance with his family. I have always been a fan of him, as most of the world has, throughout his career.”

“He was also asked about Messi in his press conference as he added: “I’ve watched him play a few times. I think finals of World Cup, I watched when he won with Argentina. I think I watched him last year once. I think it was with L.A. with Inter Miami.

“Obviously thrilled to have his whole family. I did see him after the match. Came by the locker room. So we spent some time talking and exchanging gifts.

“It’s huge honour. I mean, he’s such a great athlete, not just a football player. His impact on the world of sport in the last 20 years has been immense.

“To have him watch me live obviously brings me great, great joy and excitement, and also a bit of pressure, to be honest.

“I was rated by one of his sons today as 8 out of 10, which is pretty good. He with a serious face told me I have too make 10 out of 10 next match.

“So I have quite a bit of pressure from Messi’s son there. Yeah, we joked around. It was nice to meet with his whole family. It was very touching moment for me because it’s one thing that he comes, but then bringing his whole family, his kids, his wife.

“As a young father myself, I know what that means. It’s different when you bring the whole family. I was very touched by that and his willingness to spend some time after. I value that time with him.

“It’s a wonderful moment for me and for this tournament and tennis in general for him to be here.”

Djokovic’s latest faultless performance was too much for an exhausted Dimitrov, and he is now only one match away from a fairytale century of titles.

The 37-year-old has tried to downplay the significance of some of the achievements he has set in recent months, but his 100th title triumph seemed to mean a little more.

“Ever since I won my 99th, which was the Olympic Games in Paris, I’ve been playing with the prospect of winning the special hundred titles,” he added.

“I played finals of Shanghai. I was close there. Semi-finals of Australia. Then been trying to find that necessary and much-needed level of tennis that will put me in a position to fight for a trophy, a big trophy.

“That’s what I’ve been doing this week, to be honest. I’ve been very happy with the way I prepared for the tournament, the way I’ve been playing. I haven’t dropped a set. It’s a great opportunity. Let’s see what happens in two days.”