Lionel Messi has explained why watching Rafael Nadal’s documentary struck a chord with him as he continues to play a key role for Argentina.
Speaking in the mixed zone, the Argentina captain was asked about what keeps him going. His response focused on enjoyment, standards and the importance of feeling right within himself.
That is what makes the Nadal comparison interesting. Messi did not frame his answer around legacy, but around the desire to keep giving everything he has.
Messi says he relates to Nadal after watching Netflix documentary
Messi explained that football has been his passion since childhood when asked why he is still motivated to play for Argentina.
“Soccer has been my passion since I was little and I enjoy it that way. I always want to feel good. I’m watching the Rafa Nadal series and I identify with him a lot. We’re very similar in that aspect, because I always want to give my best.”
The series he referred to is Netflix’s four-part RAFA documentary series, which follows Nadal during the final chapter of his tennis career.
Messi’s Nadal reference speaks to his standards
What stands out about Messi’s answer is how grounded it is. He is not asking for sympathy or turning his future with the national team into a spectacle.
Instead, he is speaking about motivation in terms of enjoyment, feeling right and wanting to meet the same standards every time he plays.
That fits with his current role for Argentina, where he remains a central figure and his words still carry weight within the squad.
The Nadal reference is telling for that reason. Messi seems more interested in the mindset than the farewell story.
Even after everything he has achieved, it still comes back to something simple for him: feeling able to give his best.
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