Rafael Nadal is known for his love of soccer and has huge respect and admiration for his counterparts in the game, whom he religiously follows. The ‘GOAT’ debate in soccer between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is somewhat akin to the ‘GOAT’ debate in tennis. It seems to be going on endlessly. On a recent trip to Greece, the Spaniard was asked to choose between the two of the greatest living legends.
Nadal was quick to give his verdict without beating around the bush, saying, “Messi is better, but I am a Madrid fan.” It appeared as if his great adversary and friend off the court, Roger Federer with whom he shares 42 Grand Slam titles, echoed similar sentiments and fan following. Federer paid a rich tribute to Lionel Messi, who he felt had brought his entire country together with his World Cup win.
While on holiday in Greece, Rafael Nadal says Messi is better than Ronaldo 🤝⚽ pic.twitter.com/kwZkpgsMrq
— Luigi Gatto (@gigicat7_) July 23, 2023
In his glaring tribute to Messi, he wrote for Time, “Lionel Messi’s goal-scoring records and championship wins need no recounting here. What stands out to me about Messi, 35, is his consistent greatness over so many years. This is so difficult to achieve, and then maintain. He dribbles like a magician, and his angular passes are works of art. His awareness and anticipation are almost beyond comprehension…”
Roger Federer : “My wife doesn’t like Football but she watches it just for Messi” pic.twitter.com/xfuzxSNNhH
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) December 29, 2022
And ended up the note stating, “Now Messi can inspire future generations. I can only hope we get to see his unique creativity and artistry for a little bit longer. Don’t blink too often as Messi performs on the pitch. You may miss something incredible from the man of the moment.”
What other tennis titans think about Lionel Messi?
Novak Djokovic
The Serbian hails Lionel Messi as a role model for children who want to look up to him and play like him. As a soccer fan, he admires Messi for his amazing abilities on the field and for being a humble and down-to-earth guy. According to him, Messi is not carried away by success.
Incidentally, Novak Djokovic was present at the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar and happened to meet Lionel Messi. He said that it was the best World Cup final he had witnessed and that most of the world was happy with Messi’s achievement and what he had managed to do.
Carlos Alcaraz
Being a global sports icon, Alcaraz feels that Messi is inspiring new generation of athletes including Alcaraz himself, to achieve greatness in sports. Messi embodies the dreams of millions of aspiring athletes worldwide.
Rafael Nadal: “Messi is better than Ronaldo”
Roger Federer: “My wife watches football only because of Messi”
Djokovic: “It was an honor to meet him, Lionel Messi. I respect and admire him a lot”
Alcaraz: “It’s crazy that he’s here, meters away from me. I wish to shake his… pic.twitter.com/oVcNnNP87J
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) July 23, 2023
Carlos Alcaraz feels that the mere presence of Lionel Messi in close proximity is a magical experience. This he has already experienced once and said, “It’s crazy that he’s here, meters away from me. I wish to shake his hand.”
Rafael Nadal
Nadal has always remained vocal about his admiration for Lionel Messi, despite being a hardcore fan of Real Madrid club. In the football ‘GOAT’ debate Nadal believes that Messi is better than Ronaldo with his unique abilities.
The Spaniard feels that Lionel Messi is in a class of his own as a playmaker who can control the game in any situation. His unique dribbling skills and accurate shot-making are simply mesmerizing to watch and make him a complete player.
