Lionel Messi's answer to Novak Djokovic's ‘pressure’ question says everything about Argentina

Lionel Messi's answer totally summed up Argentina's mentality. Argentina had to stage comebacks in their semifinal win against England and in the Round of 16.

Updated on: Jul 18, 2026, 13:02:29 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Lionel Messi and Novak Djokovic had an intense conversation about dealing with pressure. The Argentine skipper shared the stage with sporting greats such as Djokovic, Tom Brady, and Kevin Durant at a special Fanatics Fest event in New York.

Novak Djokovic had an interesting question for Lionel Messi. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

FIFA gave the microphone to some of the biggest personalities in world sport, who asked questions to Messi and even to Lionel Scaloni.

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During the event, Djokovic asked, "Leo, how did you learn this way of dealing with pressure and fighting under pressure?"

Messi's answer totally summed up Argentina's mentality. The defending champions had to stage comebacks in their semifinal win against England and also in the Round of 16 against Egypt.

Against England, they were 1-0 down after Anthony Gordon's opener in the 55th minute. But then Messi inspired Argentina to a sensational comeback, assisting Enzo Fernandez for the equaliser in the 85th minute. Then he assisted Lautaro Martinez in the second minute of stoppage time, as Argentina clinched a dramatic 2-1 win.

Against Egypt, Argentina were trailing 0-2 after 67 minutes. Then Messi rose to the occasion once again, assisting Cristian Romero for his goal in the 79th minute. Then he made it 2-2 in the 83rd minute, followed by Enzo Fernandez scoring the winner in the third minute of stoppage time.

‘We never thought about pressure’: Lionel Messi

Responding to Djokovic's question, Messi said, "Hey Novak, as our coach said, we started playing football with great passion and a constant desire to play and enjoy it, no matter the place; whether at school, in the street, or with one of the neighborhood teams, just as we all started when we were young."

"We never thought about pressure; instead, we treated it as something natural.

"We played to enjoy and compete, because we are a group that loves to win, but at the same time we realize that the opponent is also playing, and that winning is not always guaranteed.

"And from a young age, I learned and understood that you lose more than you win, and I believe that this is what helped me mature, both as a person and as a player," he added.

Messi is also currently leading the Golden Boot race, with eight goals, ahead of Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe also has eight goals, but Messi's four assists put him on top.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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