Rafa Nadal is reaching out to one of the figures he admires the most. In a message shared on social media, Nadal reached out to Lionel Messi, one of his sporting icons.
© Getty ImagesIn an Instagram story, Nadal shared a brief yet sweet message for Messi, written over a black background.
"Dear Leo Messi,
I can't imagine the pain you're going through. I'm sending you all my love and all of my condolences to you and your family in these challenging times.
Rest in peace, Jorge."
© Getty ImagesOver the years, Messi and Nadal have maintained a respectful relationship based on mutual admiration for each other and their sporting achievements. The two have been photographed attending each other's matches, with Messi in the stands watching Nadal play and vice versa. While Nadal has long been one of Real Madrid's biggest fans, he admired Messi and the work he did at FC Barcelona, Madrid's legendary rival club.
"As a Real Madrid fan, I have suffered because of Messi," said Nadal, as reported by Eurosport Spain. "Although as a sports lover, many times I enjoy watching him play. He is a top player in history and he played almost his entire career in my country."
Recently, Messi revealed he and his family were watching the Nadal documentary on Netflix, called "Rafa."
"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," said Messi following one of his World Cup match wins. "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.
Jorge Messi was a huge figure in Messi's life
Jorge Messi died over the weekend in Rosario, Argentina. He was 68 years old. His death was announced by Rosario's soccer club, Newell's Old Boys. They shared that Jorge had undergone treatment for an unspecified illness recently.
Following his first match in the World Cup, Messi cried after defeating Algeria, revealing that his tears were for a "reason unrelated to sports." Many speculated that they were due to his father's health.
Messi and his father had a strong relationship, with Jorge serving as his agent and the manager of his business affairs.
Earlier today, Messi shared a heartfelt letter in memory of his father, revealing that this World Cup marked the first where his dad wasn't in attendance.
© AFP via Getty Images
