"You are an example to everyone" - When Lionel Messi congratulated Rafael Nadal after Spaniard won his 4th Laureus award
Rafael Nadal has long been associated with winning awards, particularly the prestigious Laureus Awards, where he is a four-time recipient. In 2021, he took home the Sportsman of the Year title, with Lionel Messi congratulating him in a memorable and touching moment.
Nadal was nominated alongside prominent athletes like Lewis Hamilton, LeBron James, Robert Lewandowski, Mondo Duplantis, and Joshua Cheptegei. He was the only tennis player on the list.
The Spanish tennis legend's dominant 2020 season, highlighted by his 13th French Open win and tying Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles, strengthened his candidacy.
Many congratulated Rafael Nadal, including his good friend, Lionel Messi, after his win. The Argentine icon shared a heartfelt message in a video posted on Laureus' official Instagram account, praising the 'King of Clay.'
"Hi, Rafa. I just wanted to congratulate you on this award which is obviously more than deserved," Messi said.
"I would also like to say that you are an example to everyone because of your hard work, your perseverance and for being at the highest level for so many years. I wanted to send you warm regards. See you!" he added.
Before 2021, Nadal had already earned the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award in 2011, as well as Breakthrough of the Year in 2006 and Comeback of the Year in 2014.
Rafael Nadal leaves Lionel Messi "speechless" by touching Laureus shout-out
In 2023, Lionel Messi was left speechless when Nadal publicly backed him to win the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award, despite being nominated himself. The Spaniard wrote in his Instagram story:
"An honour to be nominated again to the Laureus Sportsman of the year… but… this year… let’s go Messi, you deserve it."
The eight-time Ballon d'Or reposted:
"That an athlete as great as you says that about me leaves me speechless."
"Thank you very much, Rafa Nadal, you also deserve everything for the way you compete every time you go out on the court. You’re a winner, maybe we have a lot of competition there, huh? You also deserve the Laureus award this year, really," he added.
Messi ultimately claimed the Laureus award, thanks to his outstanding performance in leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, where he won the tournament's Golden Ball and scored twice in the final, contributing to PSG's Ligue 1 title win.
Meanwhile, Nadal also had a remarkable season, winning the Australian Open and securing his record 14th French Open title.