The inscription on Messi’s gifted kit to Rafa reads, “Para Rafa, con mucho cariño admiracion [For Rafa, with much love and admiration]”. This gift now proudly resides at the tennis star’s academy in Manacor, Spain, where aspiring tennis talents are molded to excel, much akin to how Leo influences the Argentine national team.

A year has passed since Argentina’s glorious World Cup triumph against France and Kylian Mbappe, marking a day of festivity honoring Messi’s unparalleled greatness. Yet, Nadal himself stands as a sporting titan, revered as one of the greatest athletes in his domain. Earlier this year, the Spaniard openly supported Messi to clinch the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award over himself.

Nadal boasts an illustrious career, securing 22 Grand Slam titles, including an unmatched 14 victories at the French Open.

As the festive season approaches, the Argentine plans to revel in moments with loved ones before gearing up for Inter Miami’s preseason in January. With the new year, Messi will swiftly resume competitive action on the field.

“𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙖 𝙍𝙖𝙛𝙖, 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙞ñ𝙤 𝙮 𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞ó𝙣”

Un año después de ganar el Mundial, Leo Messi ha regalado esta camiseta 🇦🇷tan especial a @RafaelNadal. ¡Ya la tenemos expuesta en el Rafa Nadal Museum!

VAMOS‼️ pic.twitter.com/cf9tvnRWRK

— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) December 18, 2023

Lionel Messi

This season he played in total 6 times for 372 minutes for Major League Soccer.

Lionel Messi scored 1 goal for Inter Miami. He procured two assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 14th in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami lost 1-0 against Charlotte.

Inter Miami performance and stats

Inter Miami is currently 14th in the Major League Soccer with 34 points.

In the last 34 games, it has won 9 times, drawn 7 times, and lost 18 times. In its last match, Inter Miami lost 1-0 against Charlotte.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 41 goals and conceding 54.​