Rafael Nadal, a tennis legend, has backed World Cup champion Lionel Messi to win the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award ahead of him.
With victories at the Australian Open and the French Open in 2022, Rafael Nadal move on to a record-breaking haul of 22 Grand Slams, which Novak Djokovic equalled by winning in Australia himself at the start of 2023.
However, the Spaniard continues to believe that Messi, who assisted Argentina win their third world title after defeating France in the World Cup final, deserves to take home the renowned Laureus Sportsman of the Year title.
Nadal, who is a well-known Real Madrid fan, took to Instagram after being confirmed among the final nominees.
He posted on his story: “An honour to be nominated again to the Laureus Sportsman of the Year… but… this year…Come on Leo Messi, you deserve it.”
Rafa Nadal on IG 📲🎾🇪🇸
“An honor to be nominated again to the Laureus Sportsman of the year… but… this year… let’s go Messi, you deserve it.” pic.twitter.com/UyIvI2enQK
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) February 20, 2023
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Meanwhile, asides Nadal, Messi is also up against fellow Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe, Max Verstappen (F1), Mondo Duplantis (Athletics), Steph Curry (Basketball) and Carlos Alcaraz (Tennis) for the men’s award.
Messi will be back in club action with PSG against Marseille in Ligue 1 on February 26.
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