Sporting greats Lionel Messi and Rafael Nadal on Instagram backed each other on to win the 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.
 

Nadal and Messi were among six male athletes announced as nominees, along with Kylian Mbappe, Max Verstappen, Armand Duplantis and Steph Curry.

It is not an unknown fact that Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has the utmost appreciation for Messi.

Previously, Nadal had said that he was supporting Argentina and Messi to win the FIFA World Cup and that he was in tears after watching the seven-time Ballon D'Or winner lift the World Cup.

Earlier on Tuesday, Nadal said Messi's World Cup heroics should see him win the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.

"An honour to be nominated again to the Laureus Sportsman of the Year…but…this year…come on Lionel Messi you deserve it," wrote Nadal on Instagram.

Nadal's 2022 season saw him win the Australian Open and French Open to move to 22 Grand Slam titles. He also finished the season as world No. 2.

"That such a great sportsman like you thinks of me like that leaves me speechless," Messi wrote in response. 

"Thank you so much Rafael Nadal, you too deserve everything for the way you compete every time you step on the court. You are a winner, everyone nominated deserves the Laureus Sports Award this year, that's the truth!!!" he added.

Nadal is currently recovering from injury and is unlikely to play at the Indian Wells and the Miami Open next month.