+18 or +21, depending on state | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Novak Djokovic Lionel MessiGOAL/Getty

Lionel Messi recognises the tennis GOAT: Argentina superstar exchanges shirts with Novak Djokovic after watching Serbian reach Miami Open final with quick victory over Grigor Dimitrov

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Messi attended Miami Open semi-finals
  • Djokovic beat Dimitrov to reach final
  • Argentine working way back from injury
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Messi and his family were in attendance at the Hard Rock Stadium on Friday as Djokovic comfortably beat Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 in straight sets to reach the final of Miami Open 2025. After the game, the two icons caught up in the dressing room and exchanged each others' signed jerseys.

  • Advertisement
  • WHAT NOVAK DJOKOVIC SAID

    Following his victory, the tennis legend acknowledged Messi's presence at the venue as he said: "Amazing to have him. It is a great honour to play, probably for the first time, in front of him live. I am really grateful he was here with his son and the family. I admired him, of course, as most of the world did for most of his career, and it is amazing he still keeps going. We are actually the same age, born in 1987, so it is nice to have him around."

  • Atlanta United v Inter Miami CFGetty Images Sport

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    After missing Argentina's World Cup qualifiers during the international window due to an injury, Messi is set to return to the pitch for the Herons on Saturday, as confirmed by Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano: "Leo is good, God willing, and if nothing weird happens, he will be named to the matchday roster."

  • WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

    The David Beckham co-owned side, who are currently third in the Eastern Conference table, will face Philadelphia Union in MLS on Saturday at home.