Lionel Messi and Novak Djokovic exchanged surprising insights on managing pressure ahead of the 2026 World Cup final. The Argentine football phenomenon and the global tennis icon met in New York for a special event, where they discussed their mental strategies before pivotal moments in their respective careers.
Messi, who will lead Argentina in the World Cup final against Spain next Sunday, July 19, confessed to Djokovic that he does not view pressure as a negative: “We started playing football with a lot of passion and a constant desire to play and enjoy, no matter where it was; at school, in the street, or at the neighborhood club, like all of us when we were young. We never thought about pressure; we treated it as something natural. We played to enjoy and compete because we are a group that loves to win, but we also know that the opponent plays and that winning is not guaranteed.” These words, spoken during the Fanatics Fest in Manhattan, reveal the mindset that has sustained the Argentine team throughout the tournament.
Argentina, the reigning champions, has faced dramatic moments to reach the final. In the quarter-finals against Egypt, they came back from a 0-2 deficit, with Messi playing a pivotal role by assisting Cristian Romero for the first goal and scoring the second, with the victory secured by Enzo Fernández in the last minute of stoppage time. In the semi-finals, Argentina was trailing 0-1 against England until the final moments, where Messi again proved decisive by assisting two goals that led to a 2-1 victory.
On Djokovic's side, the 2026 season has been challenging. After failing to secure his 25th Grand Slam at Wimbledon, where he was eliminated in the semifinals by Jannik Sinner, the Serbian is now focusing on preparing for the US Open. In an interview with Gayle King, Djokovic revealed his motivation: “The US Open is probably the most fun and exciting Grand Slam. It’s played in the biggest stadium in our sport, and I can’t wait to be back. The energy from the crowd is one of the main reasons I keep competing. The love, respect, and recognition I have received from around the world mean a lot to me. I can’t thank them enough.”
With only five tournaments played this season, the world number 39 is preparing for a demanding challenge at the US Open, without any warm-up competitions. His last triumph at that Major came in 2023 when he defeated Daniil Medvedev in the final.
O MUNDIAL 2026 VIVE-SE COM A LEGO
This exchange between Messi and Djokovic exemplifies the mindset of champions who face pressure naturally and with focus, each in their respective sports worlds. The World Cup final, with Messi and Argentina facing Spain, promises to be a historic moment, reinforced by the calmness and passion displayed by the Argentine star. Meanwhile, Djokovic continues to fuel his desire to compete and win, despite recent difficulties.
AGORA PODE ACOMPANHAR O MUNDIAL DE FUTEBOL COM TODA INFORMAÇÃO – AQUI
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