Djokovic interviews Messi: The secret to staying calm in big games

During the Fanatics Fest event preceding the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, tennis superstar Novak Djokovic took an unusual turn, stepping into the role of a journalist to interview soccer icon Lionel Messi.

Among the notable personalities present, including Emiliano Martínez, Rodri, Kevin Durant, Rio Ferdinand, Tom Brady, Travis Scott, and Kevin Hart, Djokovic directed a question to Messi that delved into the psychological aspects of elite performance. He sought to understand Messi's strategy for managing the immense pressure of major matches and filtering out external distractions to maintain focus on the field.

Messi shared his insights, attributing his ability to handle pressure to his upbringing. He explained that his passion for playing soccer from a young age, whether in school, on the streets, or with his neighborhood team, meant that the concept of pressure was never a primary concern. Instead, the focus was on the game itself, enjoying the competition, and the inherent desire to win.

He further elaborated that this early immersion in the sport taught him a crucial life lesson: consistent victory is not guaranteed. This understanding, he believes, has been instrumental in his maturation as both a person and a player, enabling him to maintain his composure and performance under the most demanding circumstances.

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We grew up playing football with a lot of passion, with a lot of desire to play, whether it was at school, on the street, or in a team – like we all started, our neighborhood team. And we never thought about pressure, we considered it something normal. We were focused on the game, on having fun, and on competing, because at the end of the day we want to win. And we learned from a young age that you can't win all the time. That helps you mature as a person and as a player.