Sovran Star

Lionel Andrés “Leo” Messi of Argentina recently paid tribute to Rafael “Rafa” Nadal Parera of Spain. The former is still an active footballer while the latter has retired from professional tennis.

Born in Porto Cristo, Mallorca, Spain, Nadal turned 40 on June 3, 2026. Born in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, Messi will turn 39 on June 24, 2026.

Lionel Messi

Messi is Argentina’s captain at the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.He is currently watching “Rafa“, a four-part documentary series released on Netflix on May 29, 2026.

On June 16, 2026, Messi’s hat-trick gave Argentina a 3-0 win over Algeria in the 2026 World Cup opener in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. After his match, he explained why Nadal has been his source of inspiration as an athlete.

“I like playing football,” Messi told the media in Spanish. “It’s been my passion since I was little and when I am feeling good, I give everything. 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,” Messi added. “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.”

In 2005, Nadal won his first Roland Garros trophy and Messi won his first Spanish La Liga title. In 2008, they both became Olympic champions in Beijing, China.

Rafa Nadal

Nadal founded the Rafa Nadal Foundation in 2008 and the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Balearic Islands, Spain in 2016. He officially retired as a professional tennis player on November 19, 2024.

On June 9, 2026, Nadal and Ana Ivanovic attended the 10th graduation ceremony of the academy. A total of 47 students from different countries graduated.

“Tennis has always been a fundamental part of my life and it’s also part of this academy’s DNA,” Nadal told the graduates. “It has taught us values we consider essential: hard work, discipline, respect, resilience and the ability to get back up after every setback.”

Moreover, Nadal offered the graduates pieces of advice for their next steps. He said, “From today, you’ll take on new challenges and new opportunities.”

“Some of you will have your path very clear, and others will still be discovering it,” Nadal continued. “What matters is to always keep your curiosity, your desire to learn, and the attitude of continuing to improve.”

Taking the podium, Ivanovic echoed these sentiments. She encouraged the graduates to face both pressure and opportunity with composure, defining the ultimate goal not just as becoming successful, but as staying kind and resilient through both the easy and difficult moments in life.