The term 'greatness recognises greatness' has rarely held such significance in sport following Lionel Messi's praise of Rafael Nadal.
Both athletes have been named on the six-person shortlist to be named Sportsman of the Year at the upcoming Laureus Sports Awards after huge success in 2022. Yet despite remarkable accomplishments in their respective fields, the prolific pair were each eager to shower one another with praise in the wake of their nominations.
Nadal moved clear as the all-time major title record-holder following victories at both the Australian Open and French Open—although Novak Djokovic has since caught up to sit on 22 Grand Slam trophies apiece. However, Messi leading Argentina to their first World Cup crown since Diego Maradona did so in 1986 may have been the bigger headline.
