Novak Djokovic shares words of admiration for ‘same age’ Lionel Messi after the Argentine’s attendance at the Miami Open

Lionel Messi was one of the high-profile attendees during Miami Open semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov.

Novak Djokovic shares words of admiration for ‘same age’ Lionel Messi after the Argentine’s attendance at the Miami Open

Novak Djokovic and Lionel Messi (via X)

Lionel Messi enjoyed the Miami Open on Friday, watching Novak Djokovic defeat Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 in the semi-final. The Inter Miami star is making the most of life in Florida.

Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, were seen in the stands, enjoying the match. After his win, Djokovic spoke about Messi’s presence and expressed his deep respect for the football legend.

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I’m really grateful he was here with his son & family. I admired him for most of his career. We’re actually the same age. Born in 87. Nice to still have him around.

Novak Djokovic said in his post-match interview

Wearing a denim jacket and an Adidas cap, Messi’s appearance was a special moment for Djokovic. The tennis star has often shared his admiration for the Argentine.

The two have met before, and Djokovic has said he would love to meet Messi again. By attending the Miami Open, Messi made that wish come true.

Novak Djokovic makes history in Miami

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is just one win away from his 100th tour-level title and a record-seventh Miami Open trophy. He is currently tied with Roger Federer for the most consecutive seasons reaching a tour-level final, with 20.

Novak Djokovic (3)
Novak Djokovic (Image via We Are Tennis)

At 37, Djokovic is the oldest finalist in Masters 1000 history. He is aiming for his first Miami title since 2016. If he wins, he will break Andre Agassi’s record of six Miami titles.

Djokovic won his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Miami in 2007 at age 19. He defeated Andy Murray in the semi-finals and Guillermo Canas in the final. A victory in Miami would put Djokovic in an elite group. He would join Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors as the only players in history to win 100 or more ATP titles.

Novak Djokovic demolishes Grigor Dimitrov

Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic is just one win away from his 100th career title and a record seventh Miami Open trophy. He secured his spot in the final by defeating Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 on Friday.

Novak Djokovic (4)
Novak Djokovic (Image via Novak Djokovic’s X account)

Rain threatened to delay the match near the end, but Djokovic stayed focused. He completed the win on his second match point, marking his 11th straight victory over Dimitrov.

Djokovic now has a 13-1 record against Dimitrov. The Bulgarian, who was a finalist in Miami last year, struggled after a tough quarter-final against Francisco Cerundolo. He needed medical help after that long, exhausting match.

Djokovic has now reached his 60th ATP Masters 1000 final, the most in history. He will face either Taylor Fritz or young talent Jakub Mensik in Sunday’s final, scheduled for 3 p.m. local time.