"Anywhere closer, I would probably cry": Azarenka takes hilarious pitch side selfie with Messi as stars come out for first Inter Miami match featuring Argentine hero

Former world number one Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka posted a hilarious pitch side picture with Argentina’s legendary footballer Lionel Messi.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been a centre of attraction after his recent move to the United States where he has joined the Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise Inter Miami.

A host of stars from different sections of life turned up to watch the little magician showcasing his talent on the pitch in front of thousands.

One of those was the 33-year-old Azarenka who posted a hilarious pitch side picture with the 36-year-old on her official Twitter account.

“My selfie with Messi, my face, anywhere closer than that i would probably/most likely cry” she tweeted.

On the court of play, Azarenka will be hoping to return to winning ways after a rather disappointing end to Wimbledon 2023 where she was knocked out of the competition after losing to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 in the fourth round.

The Minsk-born player will be hoping that the recent break from tennis will help her freshen up and prepare for the last Grand Slam of the year — the US Open.

Azarenka has an impressive record while playing in Washington where she has finished runner-up three times—in 2012 (lost to America’s Serena Williams with a score of 6–2, 2–6, 7–5), 2013 (lost to Williams against with a score of 7–5, 6–7(6–8), 6–1) and 2020 (lost Naomi Osaka of Japan with a score of 1–6, 6–3, 6–3).