Tennis

Miami Open Final: Who Will Lionel Messi Be A Good Luck Charm For – Novak Djokovic Or Jakub Mensik?

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By
wendioliveros
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wendioliveros Sports Editor

Wendi Oliveros is a diehard tennis fan that is known to set her clock at ridiculous hours to watch live action especially during the Australian Open. She is known for indulging in strawberries and cream during Wimbledon and has watched the US Open live several times.

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Sports Editor

Published30 Mar 2025

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Novak Djokovic Lionel Messi

A few days ago, soccer superstar Lionel Messi was at the Miami Open to watch Novak Djokovic play.

After scoring a goal for Inter Miami on Saturday night, the bromance continued as Messi made an arm motion that looked he was hitting a forehand sans the racquet, presumably dedicated to Djokovic.

Djokovic took notice and included video of it on his Instagram story.

However, Djokovic’s opponent in Sunday’s final, Jakub Mensik, also established a connection with Lionel Messi.  After upsetting Taylor Fritz in the semifinals on Friday, he said that Messi shook his hand before the match.  The teenager did not wash his hands after that.  He also signed the camera after his win with a “Thks Leo” note.

Who Benefits Most From His Lionel Messi Moment?

Novak Djokovic is the overwhelming favorite to win the Miami Open and capture his 100th ATP tennis title.  That is practically unheard of in tennis history, with Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer being the only players to win more than 100, at 109 and 103, respectively.

Djokovic bears the weight of being the favorite and chasing history on Sunday.   This is not a new position for him; he has been doing this for the past decade or so of his iconic career.

Messi’s endorsement makes him even more prominent in the eyes of the sports world this weekend.

On the other hand, Jakub Mensik has nothing to lose.  He could have nerves because he will play his idol on a big stage, a position he has never been in before.  Or he could come out embracing his youth and underdog status and swing freely.

Mensik has everything to gain, whereas Djokovic has something to lose, a date with tennis history.

Who prevails, and will Lionel Messi be in Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday to see which player wins?

Watch the Miami Open final on Sunday, March 30, at 3 PM EDT on Tennis Channel.