Andy Murray, the tennis legend, recently met up with football icon Lionel Messi at the Miami Open, where Murray is coaching Novak Djokovic. The encounter led to a hilarious exchange, with Murray posing a question that has long been debated in football circles: could Messi “do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke?”
The “Cold Rainy Night in Stoke” Conundrum
The phrase “can he do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke?” is a common saying in British football, used to question whether a player, particularly one known for excelling in more favorable conditions, can perform at their best in the often-challenging and physical environment of a cold, wet match in a place like Stoke-on-Trent. Stoke City, a team historically known for its tough, uncompromising style of play, became synonymous with this test of a player’s mettle.
Murray’s Cheeky Question and Messi’s Response
Murray, known for his wit and humor, couldn’t resist putting the question to Messi himself. He shared a photo of the two on Instagram, with the caption: “I asked him if he could do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke. He responded ‘callate la boca,’ which I think means yes in Spanish.”
Of course, Murray was joking. “Callate la boca” actually translates to “shut your mouth” in Spanish.
The Origin of the “Stoke” Debate
The “cold rainy night in Stoke” phrase gained prominence around 2010, with some attributing its popularization to Andy Gray, a former footballer and Sky Sports pundit. It was often used in discussions about whether players like Messi, who thrived in the more technical and tactical environment of Spanish football, could replicate their success in the Premier League’s more physical and demanding atmosphere.
Messi’s Previous Response to the “Stoke” Question
This wasn’t the first time Messi had been asked about his ability to perform in less-than-ideal conditions. In 2018, journalist Guillem Balague revealed that he had posed the same question to Messi, who responded: “They should have seen the pitches in Rosario I used to play in, and I was quite good there too.” Rosario, Argentina, is Messi’s hometown.
Messi in Miami
These days, Messi plies his trade for Inter Miami in MLS.
Murray’s Coaching Role with Djokovic
Murray’s presence at the Miami Open wasn’t just a social visit. He has been working as a coach for Novak Djokovic since the Australian Open earlier this year. Djokovic has spoken highly about Murray’s contribution, saying, “I’ve had tremendous respect for Andy Murray as a player, but now even more as a person.”
Djokovic also humorously noted Murray’s enthusiastic support during his matches, saying, “He’s fist pumping and jumping around the box. I mean, sometimes I pinch myself, I ask myself, ‘Is this real? Is this a dream?'”
Djokovic’s Miami Open Run
Djokovic is competing for his 100th career ATP title in the Miami Open final against Jakub Mensik. Both Djokovic and Mensik had the opportunity to meet Messi before their semi-final matches.
Messi’s Impact on Djokovic and Mensik
Djokovic expressed his admiration for Messi, saying, “I’m very glad, obviously, amazing to have him here, a great honor, a pleasure to play – I think for the first time – in front of him live. So I’m really grateful that he was here with his son and family. I’ve admired him, of course, like most of the world for most of his career, so it’s amazing that he keeps going. We’re actually the same age, born in 1987, so it’s quite nice to have him around.”
Mensik even joked that shaking Messi’s hand and not washing it was the “key” to his victory over Taylor Fritz. “I shook his hand,” he said. “I was kind of chilling with him a bit so I didn’t wash my hand before stepping on court. That was the key for today.”
No Comment! Be the first one.