Lionel Messi’s Savage Reply to Andy Murray’s “Stoke in the Rain” Question
Football icon Lionel Messi recently delivered a witty and unexpected response to tennis legend Andy Murray, who playfully quizzed him about his ability to perform under challenging conditions, specifically referencing the notorious “cold rainy night in Stoke.”
The interaction occurred at the Miami Open, where Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, encountered Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion and now coach. Murray, known for his humour, couldn’t resist bringing up the classic football debate: could a supremely talented player like Messi excel even in the often harsh and physical environment of a typical Premier League matchday in a place like Stoke City – famous for its cold, rainy conditions and tough football?
Here’s a breakdown of this amusing encounter:
- The Meeting: Lionel Messi and Andy Murray crossed paths at the Miami Open, showcasing a meeting of two sporting worlds.
- The Question: Murray, channeling football punditry, posed the iconic question to Messi: “Could he do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke?” This is a long-standing benchmark used in football debates to assess a player’s adaptability and resilience against less favourable playing conditions and physical opponents.
- The Response: Messi’s reaction was priceless. He responded in Spanish with “Callate la boca.”
- The Misinterpretation and True Meaning: Murray jokingly suggested this meant “yes” in Spanish. However, the actual translation of “Callate la boca” is the much more direct and less committal “Shut your mouth!” or “Be quiet!” This added a layer of humour and playful dismissal to Messi’s answer.
This lighthearted exchange taps into a well-known phrase in football discourse, “Can he do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke?” This question became popularised by former football pundit Andy Gray, who used it to question whether technically gifted players, often from leagues with warmer climates and different styles of play, could replicate their performances in the typically tougher, more physical and weather-affected environment of the English Premier League – particularly away at Stoke City. Stoke City, during their Premier League years under manager Tony Pulis, were renowned for their direct style of play and the often-inclement weather conditions at their home ground.
The question isn’t entirely new to Messi. Back in 2018, journalist Guillem Balague recounted asking Messi a similar question – could he perform on a “wet, cold night in Stoke?” Messi’s previous reply was insightful and grounded: “They should have seen the pitches in Rosario I used to play in, and I was quite good there too.” This highlights Messi’s background playing in less-than-perfect conditions in his youth, suggesting the “Stoke” challenge might not be as daunting for him as some perceive.
Now playing in the balmy climate of Miami, the prospect of a “cold rainy night in Stoke” is a distant concern for Messi. This recent exchange with Andy Murray serves as a humorous reminder of the different contexts and challenges faced by athletes across various sports and leagues. Messi’s sharp-witted response shows he’s well aware of the footballing cliché and can engage with it with characteristic flair.
What do you think? Could Messi have dominated on a cold rainy night in Stoke? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Image Credit: Lionel Messi/IG
Topics: Lionel Messi, Andy Murray, Stoke City, Football, Premier League