Rafael Nadal has admitted he was in tears as Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to win the World Cup.
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Messi cemented his status as arguably the greatest footballer of all time as he scored twice in the win over France in the final in Qatar to lift his first World Cup.
Both Messi and Nadal have enjoyed incredible trophy-laden careers at the top of their respective fields but time is not on their side as they weigh up when to call it a day.
Nadal, 36, is a year older than Messi and watched the World Cup closely as his native Spain were dumped out by Morocco on penalties in the last 16.
But even so, he admits he was emotional watching another sporting great lift the ultimate prize in his game as Argentina finally prevailed.
He said: "Without supporting Argentina, when Messi lifted the trophy I was moved to tears. For the emotion of seeing someone so great achieve what he missed after suffering so much for it."
It remains to be seen how much longer Nadal and Messi will continue, with the tennis legend having previously admitted he came close to retirement during his injury problems last year.
Asked on his plans back in January, Nadal referenced seven-time Ballon d'Or Messi and suggested he will leave a huge void in the sporting world.
He said: "People who like sports don't like it when someone they admire retires. You don't want Messi or Tiger Woods to retire. I like to see them on TV and I would like to continue watching them."
The respect is mutual between the pair with Messi lauding Nadal when he won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award back in 2021.
"I would like to say that you are an example for everyone, because of your hard work, your perseverance and for being at the highest level for so many years," Messi said in a video message.
Nadal will be looking to retain his Australian Open crown in 2023 after a stunning victory earlier this year, which he followed up with the French Open title.
