The tennis legend, Rafael Nadal, is once again up for the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award. That too, alongside other sports icons like Lionel Messi and Stephen Curry. However, after witnessing the Argentine soccer legend, Messi’s heroics at the 2022 World Cup, Nadal penned a heartfelt message. He accepted that the soccer icon deserved the award. Now, just a few hours ago, the Spaniard received a beautiful message from the Argentine legend, who responded in kind to the generous views of the ‘King of Clay’. 

This is the former world number one’s 7th nomination for the category of Sportsman of the Year. He has also won two awards, one in 2011 and the next one came in 2021. Now, tennis fans are eagerly waiting to see Nadal win the coveted honor for the third time. 

Lionel Messi’s heartfelt response to Rafael Nadal’s praise

The 35-year-old soccer legend recently took to his Instagram account to share a story in which he appreciated the Spaniard’s message, which left him speechless. While sharing the Instagram story of the 22-time Grand Slam champion, he wrote, “For an athlete of your size to say this about me leaves me speechless. Thank you very much….you also deserve everything for the way you compete every time you go out on the court..

Messi further added, “You’re a winner, we still have a lot of competition out there, right? Everyone deserves it this year.” 

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Seeing two sports legends praising each other will certainly be a special moment for both soccer and tennis fans. Not only that, but earlier, the Spaniard said that he was supporting Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final.

Nadal wants Messi to be the Sportsman of the Year

Yesterday, when the nominations were announced for one of the prestigious awards of the year, the 14-time French Open champion took to his Instagram account, where he shared his gratitude for being nominated alongside legends from other sports. 

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In that Instagram story, he clearly mentioned that Messi is the deserving winner this year. Nadal made his choice clear by putting the PSG forward over Stephen Curry and Kylian Mbappe for the award. 

What do you think? Who will win the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award, Lionel Messi or Rafael Nadal? Or will it be someone else? Let us know in the comments below.