Tennis star Rafael Nadal backs Lionel Messi to win Laureus Sportsman of the Year ahead of him
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has backed World Cup winner 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 amassed a record-breaking haul of 22 Grand Slam titles. Novak Djokovic matched Nadal’s feat in Australia at the beginning of 2023.
Yet, the Spaniard continues to believe that Messi, who helped Argentina win their third world cup after defeating France in the World Cup final, deserves to take home the prestigious Laureus Sportsman of the Year award.
Rafael Nadal, who is a well-known Real Madrid fan, took to Instagram after being confirmed among the final nominees and said: “An honour to be nominated again to the Laureus Sportsman of the Year… but… this year…Come on Leo Messi, you deserve it.”
Rafael Nadal:
"An honor to be nominated again for Sportsman of the Year by The Laureus…but…this year…
Come on Leo Messi, you deserve it." pic.twitter.com/xg3g2JUK4H
— MC (@CrewsMat10) February 20, 2023
