Torrential rain may have halted play at the 2026 Miami Open, but for Carlos Alcaraz, the unexpected pause became an opportunity to step into a different kind of spotlight. Just a day after a soccer outing, the Spaniard attended an NBA showdown featuring LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
Carlos Alcaraz Makes the Most of His Days Off at Miami Open, Watching LeBron James and Luka Dončić
Alcaraz, the top seed at the Miami Open, received a bye in the opening round of the tournament. This allowed the Spaniard to explore his interests outside tennis. On Thursday, Mar. 19, Alcaraz was spotted courtside alongside his brother Alvaro at the Kaseya Center for the Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers matchup. The tennis star also posed with Luka Dončić after the game.
The Lakers secured a 134-126 victory behind a standout showing from Luka Dončić, while LeBron James drew attention as one of the marquee figures on the floor. The appearance served as a final bit of relaxation for the Spaniard before the tennis schedule resumed in earnest.
Alcaraz Watched Lionel Messi Live on Wednesday
The rain disruption at Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday forced organizers to reshuffle the Miami Open schedule, leaving players in limbo as matches were postponed. Rather than waiting out the weather indoors, Alcaraz, accompanied by his older brother, made his way to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale to catch Inter Miami CF take on Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The soccer game provided Alcaraz with a front-row seat to sports history.
In just the seventh minute of the match, Messi delivered his 900th career goal, becoming only the second men’s player to reach that milestone. Alcaraz, who had previously shared a public moment with Messi when presenting him with an MLS trophy in late 2025, watched from close range as history unfolded.
Despite the early highlight, the evening ended in disappointment for the home crowd as Inter Miami settled for a 1-1 draw, a result that confirmed their elimination from the competition.
MORE: Carlos Alcaraz vs João Fonseca Preview: Head-to-Head, Prediction for Miami Open 2026
With the weather finally clearing, Alcaraz is now shifting his focus back to the court for his opening match. Because of the Wednesday washout, the tournament has moved into marathon mode to make up lost time. Alcaraz is scheduled to begin his campaign on Friday, Mar. 20, where he will face rising Brazilian star João Fonseca.
