Rafael Nadal Inspires Lionel Messi to Tie World Cup Goals Record

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick at the 2026 World Cup, tying Miroslav Klose's goals record, and drew comparisons to Rafael Nadal.

What happened?

Messi's performance was inspired by Rafael Nadal's documentary, which he has been watching.

Messi admitted to looking up to Nadal, with whom he shares a number of similarities.

Both played deep into their careers, with Messi still active at 38 years old.

Why it matters for Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal's legacy as a tennis icon is cemented, with 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 French Open titles.

Messi has collected 47 trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles and one FIFA World Cup.

What comes next?

As Messi continues to break records, he could capture his 48th title with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

Rafael Nadal retired at 38, while Messi is still shattering records at the same age.

Both have changed the history of their sports forever, fueled by an insatiable desire to be the best.

Messi and Nadal have spent years in Spain, witnessing each other's dominance in their respective sports.

Their similarities are striking, with both competing against all-time greats, like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic for Nadal, and Cristiano Ronaldo for Messi.

Staying healthy and feeling good is crucial for competing at an elite level, as both Nadal and Messi have demonstrated.

As Messi broke Cristiano Ronaldo's record for oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, he solidified his position as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, much like Rafael Nadal in tennis.