Lionel Messi is tributing a fellow sports great. Following an incredible World Cup performance, where he scored his first hat-trick in a World Cup on Argentina's debut against Algeria, Messi spoke about one of his inspirations, Rafa Nadal.
© Getty ImagesMessi was interviewed by journalists following his match, revealing that he and his family were watching the "Nadal" Netflix documentary, and that his story provided some inspiration.
"Playing soccer is my passion since I was little, and when I'm okay, I give it my all. We're watching the Rada Nadal show and I identify with him a lot," he said. "I think we're very similar in that way. I always want to give it my all, I always want to feel good, and I enjoy myself in that way. And while I can and am fit to do it, I'll be there.
© Getty Images"Everything I'm living now is extra. I've reached more than I could have imagined individually and in a group, and have felt great. Everything I've lived is so much more than I dreamed of when I was a boy," he concluded.
Messi and Nadal have coincided in various events over the years. Even though Nadal has long been one of Real Madrid's most famous supporters and Messi is one of the biggest icons of its rival club Barcelona, the two have great respect for each other and their sporting achievements. They follow each other on social media.
Messi's emotional Argentina performance
© FIFA via Getty ImagesThis morning, Messi made headlines from all over the world following his first hat trick at a World Cup. He opened up about his tears following his first goal.
"It was completely unrelated to the sport," he said to journalists. "I went through some challenging days. I'm grateful to the entire delegation, as always, for supporting me and being with me."
In an interview with TUDN, Messi shared a bit more about his tears and high emotion while on the field, revealing that they were mostly related to his family, even though his soccer family also played a role. "Yes. The truth is that it's tears for the family over anything. They're always there with me. Now we're going through a difficult time. So a lot of things were united, but obviously the team as well, it's a spectacular group that holds me up and makes me happy," he said in Spanish.
Ibrahim Maza, an attacker who plays for Algeria, discussed their performance after the game. "We weren't too bad," he said, sharing that they simply couldn't overcome some "Messi things." When asked to elaborate, he said, "I don't think I need to explain it. I think you just need to watch the game, and then you know what 'Messi things' means."
© FIFA via Getty Images
