Novak Djokovic, Emma Raducanu attend World Cup final, stars queue to praise Messi as Del Potro goes nuts

News
Emma Raducanu and David Beckham

The who’s who of the tennis world enjoyed the 2022 Qatar World Cup final as Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu attended the showpiece match while the latter also met footballer David Beckham.

Argentina took on France in an exhilarating final at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday and it was the South Americans who emerged victorious as their inspirational captain Lionel Messi led them to a third World Cup title.

Tennis great Djokovic was seen attending the spectacle alongside France international Paul Pogba, who missed the tournament due to injury, as well as former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic and MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Raducanu, fresh from taking part in an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi over the weekend, also attended the match and managed to meet former England captain Beckham.

“@emmaraducanu, so good to see you. What a game,” Beckham wrote in an Instagram Story.

Emma Raducanu and David Beckham at 2022 World Cup

Raducanu herself posted a video of Messi lifting the World Cup trophy.

The final finished in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Messi scoring twice – one penalty and one during extra time – while his PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe notched up a hat-trick, including two penalties and an equaliser two minutes before the 120 minutes were up.

Argentina then went on to win the penalty shootout 4-2 with Messi crowned player of the tournament with many believing it settled the greatest of all time debate (GOAT).

Rafael Nadal also took to Instagram to pay tribute to the world champions, writing in an Instagram Story with a picture of Messi: “Congratulations Argentina 🇦🇷⭐️⭐️⭐️🇦🇷”

“Happy for so many Argentinian friends. Enjoy it champion.”

He also congratulated France on their “great World Cup”.

Roger Federer, meanwhile, wrote: “Time and time again you @leomessi have redefined greatness. It’s a privilege to watch you. Congrats Leo & 🇦🇷 . Special and historic 👏🏼🏆”

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Roger Federer (@rogerfederer)

Of course tennis’ Argentine contingent enjoyed their football team’s great moment with Diego Schwartzman, who attended matches earlier in the tournament, going with the simple: “🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🏆🏆🏆”

Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro had been very active on Twitter throughout the event and he went a little nuts.

“CONGRATULATIONSSS LEOOO!!! 🐐,” he started.

“CONGRATULATIONSSS SELECTION!!! 🇦🇷

“THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT JOY YOU GAVE US!!!

“THE PHOTO THAT EVERYONE NEEDED TO SEE!!! 🙏🇦🇷

Stefanos Tsitsipas wrote: “Messi is invincible. Happiest man on earth!”

And of course Del Potro replied: “Happiest country in the world 🇦🇷🙌”

Former world No 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka wrote: “Martinez you are a boss.”

And guess who replied “Vamosss vikaaa 🇦🇷🇦🇷”. Yes, it was Del Potro.

READ MORE: Andy Murray asks Lionel Messi question after he lifts World Cup trophy

Emma Raducanu Juan Martin del Potro Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal Roger Federer

Latest