Lionel Messi Reveals Rafael Nadal Inspiration After First World Cup Hat-Trick: “I Can Really Identify with Him”

Even Lionel Messi is getting inspiration from Rafael Nadal‘s Netflix documentary. On June 16, during Argentina versus Algeria Group J match, Messi scored his career’s first World Cup hat-trick.

It was his career’s 11th international hat-trick, and this helped him tie with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most goals scored in World Cup history (16). After the match, Messi paid tribute to Nadal.

I like playing football. It’s been my passion since I was little, and when I’m well I give everything. We’re currently watching the Rafa Nadal series, and I can really identify with him; I think we’re very similar in that sense. I always want to give everything, I always want to feel good, and that’s how I enjoy myself. As long as I’m well enough to, I’ll be there.

Lionel Messi told reporters

While Nadal hung up his racket at the 2024 Davis Cup after Spain’s defeat to eventual runners-up Netherlands in the quarterfinals, Messi, who will turn 39 next week, is still chasing history. He, in fact, also became the oldest man to score multiple goals in a World Cup match.

Argentina will next be facing Austria, after which they will lock horns with Jordan. Captain Messi and his team are the defending champions after lifting the title in Qatar back in 2022 by defeating France. It was the first time Messi won a World Cup.

Alexander Zverev on the messages he received from Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal after his French Open win

Alexander Zverev broke the Carlos Alcaraz–Jannik Sinner duopoly in Grand Slams by defeating Flavio Cobolli in the French Open final, winning his career’s first Grand Slam title. It was the first time a player other than Sinner, Alcaraz, or Novak Djokovic won a Major since Rafael Nadal lifted his career’s 14th French Open title in 2022. After the win, Zverev talked about the messages he received from Nadal and Djokovic.

For me, private messages mean much more. Every top tennis player congratulated me: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic. Rafa wrote me an exceptionally long message – I found that incredibly kind. Athletes from other sports as well: Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich. Dirk Nowitzki was following the match closely and even texted me during it. That really meant a lot to me.

Alexander Zverev said during his interview with Eurosport Germany

Zverev is competing at the Halle Open, where he defeated Vit Kopriva in the first round. He will next be locking horns with compatriot Yannick Hanfmann.

I still have 1,600 unread messages. I’ve been on my phone for three days now trying to reply to everyone. But that’s fine. I’ll reply to everyone.

Alexander Zverev added

The French Open title was Zverev’s first title of the season. Before this event, he had featured in the final of the Madrid Open but lost the title to Sinner. Also, before this tournament, Sascha had made the finals of three Grand Slams, losing all (the 2020 US Open to Dominic Thiem, the 2024 French Open to Alcaraz, and the 2025 Australian Open to Sinner).

The 29-year-old is chasing his career’s first grass-court title in Halle. He has already played three finals on the surface. At Wimbledon, the World No. 3 will be hoping to reach the quarterfinals for the first time. He has made the fourth round of the grass-court Major thrice, while last year, he suffered an opening-round exit.

Sinner will enter SW19 as the defending champion. Last year in the final, he defeated two-time defending champion Alcaraz, who beat Djokovic in the finals in 2023 and 2024.

Also read: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner Warned They ‘Won’t Be Able to Rest Easy Anymore’ After Alexander Zverev’s French Open Win