The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is a magnet for sporting royalty, and tennis living legend Novak Djokovic made his allegiances crystal clear upon arriving at the New York-New Jersey Stadium. Walking into the venue for the clash between Argentina and Spain, the 24-time Grand Slam champion did not mince words, telling reporters, “I’m rooting for Messi and Argentina.”
Novak Djokovic has arrived at the World Cup final. ⚽️ 🏆
Djokovic: “I’m rooting for Messi and Argentina.”
🇷🇸🇦🇷pic.twitter.com/Sm6nsgwzJx
— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) July 19, 2026
What did Novak Djokovic and Lionel Messi discuss before the final?
Djokovic’s vocal support for Argentina does not come out of nowhere. Just 48 hours before the final kickoff, the Serbian tennis great took on the role of a journalist, interviewing Lionel Messi at FIFA’s Fanatics Fest in New York. The two sporting giants shared a fascinating conversation about the heavy mental weight of competing in their respective sports. Djokovic specifically asked the Argentine captain how he manages to block out extreme pressure in legacy-defining moments. Messi admitted that rather than fighting the pressure, he accepts it as an inevitable part of the competition, a mindset that has clearly fuelled his historic career.
How was Carlos Alcaraz involved in the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy reveal?
Djokovic wasn’t the only tennis superstar stepping onto the global football stage today. Before the players even walked onto the pitch, Spanish tennis phenom Carlos Alcaraz had the honour of participating in the official World Cup trophy presentation ceremony. Currently recovering from a wrist injury that kept him out of Wimbledon, Alcaraz temporarily traded his racket for a front-row seat. After presenting the ultimate prize, he joined his fellow countrymen in the stands to passionately back Lamine Yamal and the Spanish squad.
What is the Argentina vs Spain current match score?
As the action unfolds on the pitch, the World Cup final is proving to be a tight, physical battle. The match is currently paused for halftime, with Argentina and Spain deadlocked in a tense 0-0 draw. Spain’s 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal came agonisingly close to scoring early on but squandered a massive chance to give his team the lead. Meanwhile, Argentina’s defence has been highly aggressive, resulting in a yellow card for Lisandro Martinez in the 41st minute before he was strategically substituted right before the halftime whistle.
