Football icon Lionel Messi was a notable presence at the Miami Open, attending the semifinal match where tennis champion Novak Djokovic secured a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Grigor Dimitrov. Messi, who captains Major League Soccer's Inter Miami and led Argentina to a World Cup title, watched from the stands as Djokovic displayed a commanding performance.
Djokovic, aiming for his 100th career singles title and a seventh Miami Open crown, expressed his appreciation for Messi's attendance. "Amazing to have him," Djokovic remarked. "It is a great honor to play, probably for the first time, in front of him live." He further praised Messi's enduring impact on sports, noting their shared birth year of 1987.
Messi's appearance at the tennis event highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect among elite athletes across different sports. His presence added a unique dimension to the tournament, bridging the worlds of football and tennis in a celebration of athletic excellence.
Djokovic's victory sets up a final against either Taylor Fritz or Jakub Mensik, bringing him one step closer to the milestone of 100 career titles. The Serbian's performance in Miami has been formidable, and he remains a dominant force on the ATP Tour.
Messi's attendance at the Miami Open underscores his engagement with the broader sports community and his support for fellow athletes striving for greatness in their respective disciplines.