🐐 From one genius to another: Messi inspired by Rafa Nadal

The World Cup has produced one of the tournament’s most viral images after Argentina’s masterclass against Algeria. Lionel Messi, the match’s biggest star, dazzled all the fans by scoring a spectacular hat-trick that sets La Albiceleste on the right path.

Beyond the three goals, the real impact came in the mixed zone after the final whistle. The Argentine star surprised the media by confessing who inspires him to maintain his hunger for victory throughout his successful career.

Messi revealed that he feels deeply identified with Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal. The forward explained that both he and his teammates have been closely following the Mallorcan’s documentary series during the World Cup camp, finding in it extra motivation to face the demands of the tournament.

The Argentina captain highlighted that he shares with Nadal that unbreakable competitive mentality of pushing himself every day. The footballer made it clear that his greatest driving force remains his passion for the ball, which has stayed intact since he was a child.

In his own words, the No. 10 confessed the secret of his mentality: "I like playing football, it’s been my passion since I was very young, and when I feel good I give my all. We’re watching Rafa Nadal’s series and we’re very similar, I really identify with him. I always want to give my all and feel good, that’s how I enjoy it."

With these statements, Messi shows that the great myths of sport feed off one another. The highest level of demand and enjoyment on the court and on the pitch unite two of the greatest legends in the history of modern sport.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.