Off Court News
Mensik loses the spotlight to Lionel Messi on Miami date night
Even a rising ATP Tour star can’t compete with Messi’s magic, Mensik jokes
March 20, 2026
Francois Nel / Leonardo Fernandez / Getty Images
Jakub Mensik attended an Inter Miami match on Wednesday, featuring Lionel Messi.
By Jerome Coombe
Jakub Mensik might be one of the ATP Tour’s rising stars, but even he knows when he’s been upstaged.
The 20-year-old Czech, who is defending champion at this week’s Miami Open presented by Itau, traded centre court for the stands on Wednesday, when he took in an Inter Miami match alongside his girlfriend Josefina.
As it turns out, competing for attention in a stadium featuring record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is a losing battle.
“Date idea: compete with Messi for attention (0/10 would not recomend),” Mensik joked on Instagram.
Mensik’s joke is relatable, but it also strikes a chord because the World No. 13 himself has already had his own unforgettable Messi moment. After stunning Novak Djokovic to win the ATP Masters 1000 title in Miami last year, Mensik fulfilled a “childhood dream” by meeting the Argentine icon.
Back on court, Mensik’s has continued to build serious momentum across the first three months of 2026. He won the title in Auckland in January and has surged to ninth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, putting himself firmly in the conversation for a debut appearance at the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals.
Before he can start thinking about Turin, however, there is work to be done in South Florida. Mensik will open his Miami title defence against Sebastian Baez or Adam Walton and, while Messi may have stolen the spotlight for a night, the Czech will be hoping to make sure all eyes are back on him this week.