“I would like to meet him and talk about everything again.” Remarked tennis ace Novak Djokovic about meeting Lionel Messi for the second time at the US Open. Perhaps, the next meeting is on the cards as hinted by Djoker’s social media activity. And this time, he could be with fellow tennis icon Rafael Nadal.
Serbian ace Novak Djokovic recently posted a photo alongside Nadal. The duo is inside an airplane, but the interesting bit is the caption which reads, “Great company on the way to USA.” They are likely traveling for the ATP tour, but with Lionel Messi due to play against LA Galaxy in less than 24 hours, what are the chances that the tennis stars will be in attendance at Dignity Health Sports Park? Firstly, both Djokovic and Nadal are huge soccer fans!
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Djokovic supports AC Milan while Nadal is a Real Madrid fan. In August 2023, Djokovic met Lionel Messi during the US Open and he loved every bit of the moment. The Serbian ace said, “Messi is a phenomenon. He’s a huge champion. I have a huge respect for him.” Djokovic also added that he wants to catch up with the soccer icon again.
Likewise, despite being a Madridista, Nadal has immense respect for the Argentine maestro. Nadal said, “He is one of the best in history”. Moreover, he also sided with Lionel Messi in the ‘GOAT’ debate, saying, “Messi is better, but I am a Madrid fan.” In case the tennis superstars attend the match, it will undoubtedly be for Messi. However, does Messi share similar sentiments? It seems that the respect is mutual, certainly in the case of Nadal.
Rafael Nadal had left Lionel Messi ‘speechless’ through his generosity
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In 2023, The Laureus World Sportsman of the Year nominees included Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Rafael Nadal himself. However, Nadal gave his opinion of the deserving winner and said, “An honor to be nominated again to the Laureus Sportsman of the Year but this year, let’s go Messi, you deserve it.” And the act caught the attention of the Inter Miami star.
Lionel Messi responded via Instagram, “For an athlete of your size to say this about me leaves me speechless. Thank you very much. You also deserve everything for the way you compete every time you go out on the court“. Likewise, Messi also had a warm embrace with Djokovic at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony. Fans enjoyed every bit of the exchange between these icons of sports.
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Will they meet once again in the upcoming MLS match? Have your say in the comments below.