Lionel Messi doesn’t just win the World Cup for his nation; he also wins millions of hearts.
The star of Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi, scored twice in the victory over France in the World Cup final to win his first trophy and solidify his position as possibly the best footballer in history.
He is also the only player to win the FIFA Golden Ball award (Best player of the tournament) twice in his career, first in 2014 when Argentina lost to Germany in the finals and the second time in 2022.
After Messi lists his first-ever World Cup, many celebrities, politicians, and actors came forward to congratulate the footballer.
Just like that, Tennis star Rafael Nadal also praised and applaud Argentina’s best, Lionel Messi. Both Messi and Nadal have had amazing, trophy-filled careers at the top of their respective sports, but time is running out as they choose when to hang up their boots.
Nadal is 36 and Messi is 35, both stars are at the finale of their career and Nadal wanted Messi to lift the World Cup, as it would be very disappointing that the best ever never lifted the World Cup.
What did Nadal say on Lionel Messi’s World Cup win?
He said, “Without supporting Argentina when Messi lifted the trophy I was moved to tears. For the emotion of seeing someone so great achieve what he missed after suffering so much for it”.
Nadal was also asked about his retirement, to which he referred to Messi and legend golfer Tiger Woods.
He said, “People who like sports don’t like it when someone they admire retires. You don’t want Messi or Tiger Woods to retire. I like to see them on TV and I would like to continue watching them”.
It was not just Nadal who took the world cup champion as an example. The admiration is mutual between the two sporting giants.
“I would like to say that you[Rafael Nadal] as an example for everyone, because of your hard work, your perseverance, and for being at the highest level for so many years,” Messi said in a video message after winning the sportsman of the year award in 2021.
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