Lionel Messi has sent a classy reply after Rafael Nadal backed him to win sportsman of the year award.
The legendary footballer helped Paris Saint-Germain to Ligue 1 glory in May.
He was then pivotal in Argentina’s triumphant World Cup campaign at the end of the year.
Messi played every single minute for Argentina, scoring seven times and recording three assists.
His heroics saw him crowned the Golden Ball winner: an award given to the best player in the tournament.
Lionel Messi nominated for Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award
Messi’s brilliance has seen him nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award.
Among the other nominees include Kylian Mbappe, Stephen Curry and Max Verstappen.
Rafael Nadal backs Lionel Messi to win Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award
Rafael Nadal has also been nominated for the award.
The Spaniard also had a terrific 2022 as he claimed four titles, including the Australian Open and French Open.
But, despite winning two of the four majors last year, Nadal thinks that Messi is deserving of winning the award.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “An honor to be nominated again to the Laureus Sportsman of the year… but… this year… let’s go Messi, you deserve it.”
Lionel Messi sends heartwarming reply to Rafael Nadal
Messi saw Nadal’s Instagram post and he sent a classy reply on Tuesday evening.
He wrote: “That such a great sportsman tell me this leaves me speechless. Thank you very much Rafa Nadal… You also deserve it for the way you compete. You are a winner, and we still have a lot of competition for the award. All the nominees deserve it this year!”
You love to see it. Games recognises game.
The winner of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award will be announced at a ceremony in Spring.
SOURCE: givemesport.com
