We’re accustomed to hearing stories of rising tennis stars idolizing Novak Djokovic, with young talents frequently recounting how the 24-time Grand Slam champion inspired their careers. 19-year-old Jakub Mensik, who is set to face his hero in Sunday’s Miami Open final, is a prime example. Reflecting on their previous encounter at the Shanghai Masters last season, the Czech described playing Djokovic as “incredible,” a “dream.” However, this week in Florida presented a fascinating role reversal: it was Djokovic who found himself starstruck. And who could blame him? Imagine the surreal experience of having soccer legend Lionel Messi watching your every move from the stands.

On Friday, Leo attended the semifinal encounter of Djokovic in Miami, alongside one of his sons. Playing as the oldest ATP Masters 1000 semifinalist against Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov, the Serbian didn’t take long to wrap up the battle. In just under 70 minutes, he cruised his way to his first ATP final of this season. As soon as he got to know that the Argentinian star was watching him live in action, Djoker had no words to describe his emotions.

During the post-match conference, dated March 28, Djokovic said that “it was the first time I’ve played in front of him (Messi). 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.” 

Fun fact: Lionel Messi was able to attend the tennis event on Friday due to an adductor injury. It forced him to miss out on his international duties with Argentina.

Continuing further, the Serbian added, “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 exchanged gifts.” You may wonder, what gifts?

Well, as it turns out, the two GOATs also shared an unforgettable moment in the locker room. Djokovic commemorated his meeting with Messi by sharing photos on social media. One image captured the pair holding up a signed Lacoste tennis polo shirt, while another showed Djokovic with a No. 10 Messi Inter Miami jersey. His caption read, “An honor to meet the greatness @leomessi and his whole family. Gracias Leo. Asta pronto”.

Well, Djoker summed up the whole experience, saying, “It’s huge honor. 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 (smiling). 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.”

Interestingly, he also shared a fun fact that connects him even more with the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner: “We’re actually the same age, born in 1987, so it’s quite nice to have him around,” in an on-court interview. Djoker was born on May 22, 1987, while the Atomic Flea was born a month later on June 24, 1987.

Moreover, the 24-time Slam king also spilled the beans on a playful interaction with one of Leo’s sons. Apparently, he gave a rating to Djokovic’s performance after his SF victory on Friday. So, did he do well? Any guesses how much he scored?

Novak Djokovic under pressure after Lionel Messi’s son rates him

With a victory in the SF, Novak Djokovic is now on the verge of clinching his 100th ATP title. Undoubtedly, there’s going to be a lot of pressure on him. But it’s Djokovic you know? He can overcome any kind of challenge – but one. During his post-match interview on Friday, the Serbian mentioned how one of Messi’s sons eventually rated his on-court performance.

He revealed, “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 to make 10 out of 10 next match. So I have quite a bit of pressure from Messi’s son there. Yeah, we joked around.”

And now, he’s bound to deliver nothing less than perfection in the Miami Open final. After all, the 100th ATP trophy is still far from him. But is he even thinking about it constantly? In the press conference, dated March 28, he confessed, “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.”

Continuing further, he added, “I played finals of Shanghai. I was close there. Semifinals 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.”

On Sunday, Djokovic will also look to win his 7th Miami Open trophy. If he succeeds against 19-year-old Jakub Mensik, the Serbian will become the player with most number of titles in the event history. As of now, he’s leveled at 6-6 with ex-ATP legend Andre Agassi. Do you think he will accomplish his goal while winning his maiden ATP title of 2025? Let us know in the comments below.