Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi has paid tribute to Rafael Nadal at the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Nadal was known to give his all on the court and Messi said he can really identify himself with Rafa as he loves to give his best when he is in a good shape, both physically and mentally.

La Pulga revealed the Argentina’s team is currently watching Rafa’s documentary on Netflix, which is really inspiring for all the players. Argentina, the defending champions at the World Cup, kicked off their campaign with a thundering 3-0 win against Algeria, with Messi scoring his maiden World Cup hat-trick.

Messi also equaled former Germany’s striker Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals at the World Cup, which is the most at the event.

”I like playing football. It’s been my passion since I was little and when I’m well I give everything,” Messi said after his match. “We’re currently watching the Rafa Nadal series and I can really identify with him, I think we’re very similar in that sense. I always want to give everything, I always want to feel good and that’s how I enjoy myself. As long as I’m well enough to, I’ll be there.”

Messi and Nadal both share mutual respect between each other as was palpable in 2023 when the duo was nominated for ‘Sportsman of the Year’ at the Laureus Awards.

At the time, the Spaniard posted a message on his Instagram profile: “This year you deserve it, Leo Messi”. The Argentine responded in kind: ”For an athlete as great as you to write that about me… Thank you so much, Rafa Nadal, you also deserve everything because of the way you compete every time you step on a court. You’re a winner, maybe we’ll have a lot of competition though! Honestly, they all deserve the Laureus this year.”

Argentina will next take on Austria on Monday.