Lionel Messi and Novak Djokovic engaged in a deep discussion about handling pressure during a recent event. The Argentine captain shared the spotlight with other sports legends, including Djokovic, Tom Brady, and Kevin Durant, at the Fanatics Fest held in New York.
Event Context
FIFA hosted a highly anticipated event that featured some of the most prominent figures in global sports, who had the opportunity to pose questions to both Messi and Lionel Scaloni. In a notable moment, tennis star Novak Djokovic inquired, “Leo, how did you manage to handle pressure and compete under such challenging circumstances?” Messi’s response encapsulated the resilience of Argentina’s mindset, especially as the defending champions rallied in their semifinal victory against England and during their Round of 16 match against Egypt.
‘We never thought about pressure’: Lionel Messi
In a thrilling match against England, Argentina found themselves trailing 1-0 after Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 55th minute. However, Messi played a pivotal role in their remarkable comeback, setting up Enzo Fernandez for the equalizer in the 85th minute. Just moments later, in the second minute of stoppage time, he assisted Lautaro Martinez, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory for Argentina.
Similarly, in their clash with Egypt, Argentina was down 0-2 after 67 minutes. Yet again, Messi stepped up, assisting Cristian Romero’s goal in the 79th minute. He then scored to level the match at 2-2 in the 83rd minute, with Enzo Fernandez ultimately netting the winning goal in the third minute of stoppage time.
In response to a question from Djokovic, Messi shared, “Hey Novak, our coach always reminds us that we began playing football with passion and the joy of the game, whether in schoolyards, on the streets, or with local teams, the same way we did as kids.”
He continued, “We never viewed pressure as a burden; instead, we embraced it as a part of the game. We play to enjoy ourselves and compete, knowing that while we strive to win, our opponents also want the same, and victory isn’t always assured.
“From a young age, I learned that losing happens more often than winning. This understanding has shaped my growth as both a person and a player,” Messi added.
Currently, Messi is leading the race for the Golden Boot, having scored eight goals, tied with Kylian Mbappe. However, Messi’s four assists give him the edge in the competition.
