‘Lionel Messi is a phenomenon’ – Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic reveals details of meeting with Inter Miami icon as both men target US Open glory

Two all-time greats have crossed paths on a couple of occasions during their record-setting careers, with their latest chat coming in New York. Messi was in the Big Apple while on MLS duty with Inter Miami, while tennis icon Djokovic is chasing down US Open glory at Flushing Meadows.

Messi has U.S. Open Cup glory of his own to aim at over the coming weeks, having helped to book a place in the final of that competition, and has already landed the 44th trophy of his remarkable career when inspiring Inter Miami to the inaugural Leagues Cup crown.

Djokovic, who has a historic haul of 23 Grand Slam titles to his name, enjoys picking the brains of Messi and has told ESPN Mexico of his latest meeting with the Argentine superstar: “It's a second time we met with each other. We talked 15 minutes about everything, I would like to meet him and talk about everything again. Messi is a phenomenon. He's a huge champion, I have a huge respect for him.”

Messi emerged victorious in nine successive fixtures upon joining up with Inter Miami, but was shut out in a 0-0 draw with Nashville during his latest MLS outing and still has work to do in order to help the Florida-based franchise book a place in the post-season play-offs.