Rafael Nadalthe former World number 1 and winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, shocked the sports world this Thursday after announcing his retirement from professional tennis. Many leaders spoke out after the announcement, including his compatriot Carlos Alcarazone of its greatest rivals, Roger Federerand even figures outside of tennis. In this last case, Lionel Messi took the time to send greetings to Rafa.
Through a video published by celebrities Laureus Awards On his social networks, Messi spoke directly to Rafa: “You are an example for everyone. For your work, for your perseverance over so many years at the highest level. I am an admirer of yours and I wanted to send you a huge hug.“, and closed the message with a friendly: “See you, bye” with a thumbs up.
The relationship between Rafa and Messi was always based on respect and mutual admiration. Both have shared gestures of affection with each other over the years. The Spaniard always expressed the admiration he has for the best footballer in the world, especially after the Qatar World Cup 2022.
At that time, Nadal admitted: “When Messi scored the third goal against France, my eyes filled with tears. For someone so great to end his career in that way seemed fair to me and I was moved. That he lifted the World Cup made me happy“.
“Seeing someone so great achieve what he was missing and who had suffered so much to achieve it was spectacular,” he added, familiar with being a high-level athlete for many years who never stopped fighting for the next conquest.
In response to the support that Messi received from Nadal during the World Cup, Leo gave him the Albiceleste shirt that he wore during the World Cup so that the Spaniard could add it to his museum that exhibits different relics of the best athletes in the world. “For Rafa, with much love and admiration“Messi wrote to him.
The images of a young Messi watching a young Nadal from the front rowfor example when the traditional Conde de Godó tournament was held in Barcelona. Some time later, with a lot of life ahead of them, children and successes of all kinds, Leo and Rafa met at a bowling alley. Ibiza where both families vacationed.
“Everything in life has a beginning and an end and I think it is the right time to put an end to a long and much more successful career than I could have ever imagined,” said an emotional Nadal in a video alongside the message. “Thank you all” written in a dozen languages.
“I am very excited that my last tournament is the Davis Cup final, representing my country,” he declared. Nadal will close that impressive career in the “Final 8” of the Davis Cup that will be held in Malaga, in the south of his country, from November 19 to 24.