The famous GOAT debate has reared its head again, and this time tennis legend Rafael Nadal shares his views on it. This debate has been raging for years now. The legendary players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are in the twilight phase of their careers. However, fans continue to bring it up whenever they can.
Nadal is currently in Greece, recovering from surgery. The Spaniard, who is one of the GOATs of tennis, suddenly found himself confronted with the question.
Nadal’s love for soccer is very well known, which is exactly what led to a couple of fans asking him, “Messi or Ronaldo?” An unsuspecting Nadal was taking pictures with the fans when the question was asked.
While on holiday in Greece, Rafael Nadal says Messi is better than Ronaldo 🤝⚽ pic.twitter.com/kwZkpgsMrq
— Luigi Gatto (@gigicat7_) July 23, 2023
Rafa’s answer may come as a surprise to many as he is a staunch supporter of Real Madrid. Messi fans, however, could not let this opportunity slip past them.
Takes one GOAT to know a GOAT 😎
— 🎾nebby🎾 (@1gamesetmatch) July 23, 2023
Another fan commented, “One of the all-time lawn tennis greats Rafael Nadal believes Lionel Messi is better than Ronaldo. But he is a Real Madrid fan.” Well, Rafa has ignited the debate again.
Nadal has been a Los Blancos fan since his childhood. One of his uncles played for FC Barcelona though. Miguel Angel Nadal was called the ‘Beast of Barcelona’ and was supported by his Madrid-loving family.
Rafael Nadal himself was a talented soccer player in his youth before he chose tennis, his uncle Toni‘s favorite sport. Therefore it is not surprising that the legend follows soccer closely and has his own favorite.
Lionel Messi is a huge fan of Rafael Nadal as well
This is not the first time that Nadal has hailed Messi for his brilliance. At the start of the year, Rafa congratulated the Argentine for his achievements, especially for winning the World Cup. Messi responded to Nadal very graciously, even mentioning how he was “speechless.”
When the nominees for the Laureus Award were announced, Nadal responded to it with absolute humility. He said, “An honor to be nominated again to the Laureus Sportsman of the Year. But let’s go, Messi, you deserve it.” Messi, did in fact, go on to win it.
Leo Messi’s response to Rafa Nadal:
“For an athlete of your size to say this about me leaves me speechless. Thank you very much….you also deserve everything for the way you compete every time you go out on the court.
You’re a winner, we still have a lot of competition out… pic.twitter.com/Hsiln92qZY
— MC (@CrewsMat10) February 21, 2023
Messi has also lauded the Spaniard in the past. When Rafa won the Laureus Award in 2021, Messi congratulated him. Despite being a staunch supporter of Real Madrid, Nadal has never shied away from sharing his admiration for Messi.