Lionel Messi Watched Rafa Nadal Documentary as World Cup Prep, Teammates Praise His Dedication
Reports indicate that Lionel Messi has been preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup by watching a documentary on tennis legend Rafa Nadal, with Argentina teammates describing his approach as “otherworldly.” The revelation comes as the Albiceleste squad intensifies training ahead of the 2026 tournament, though no official confirmation has been issued from Messi or his representatives.
According to multiple sports outlets, including El País and Marca, Messi has been seen reviewing the 2022 documentary Rafa Nadal: The Battle of the Century, which chronicles the Spanish tennis star’s career. The film, directed by Alejandro Amenábar, highlights Nadal’s resilience, including his 14 Grand Slam titles and 22-month injury hiatus from 2015-2017. A source close to the Argentina national team told ESPN, “Messi respects athletes who overcome adversity. He’s always been inspired by those who push limits.”
What Does the Documentary Cover?
The 120-minute film, released by Netflix in 2022, features rare archival footage, interviews with Nadal’s coaches, and scenes from his most iconic matches. It emphasizes his physical conditioning, mental toughness, and the 2008 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, a match Nadal famously won after being down 2-6 in the fifth set. The documentary also details his 2017 French Open victory at age 30, which many consider one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.
While no official link has been made between the film and Messi’s World Cup preparations, the timing aligns with Argentina’s buildup for the 2026 tournament. The Albiceleste, who won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, are currently training in Buenos Aires under coach Lionel Scaloni. A spokesperson for the Argentine Football Association (AFA) stated, “Messi’s focus remains on the team’s objectives. Any personal preparation methods are his choice.”
Teammates Describe Messi as ‘Extraterrestrial’
Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, speaking to Goal, called Messi “a different species.” He added, “When you see how he trains, how he studies, it’s like he’s not from this planet. He’s always looking for ways to improve, even after 20 years at the top.”
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez echoed these sentiments, saying, “Lionel’s work ethic is unmatched. He’s not just a player—he’s a machine. When he watches something like that, it’s to understand how to stay at the peak.”
Nadal, 37, has not publicly commented on Messi’s interest in his documentary. However, the tennis star has previously praised Messi’s footballing IQ. In a 2021 interview with El Mundo, Nadal said, “Messi is a genius. He sees the game in a way that’s almost supernatural.”
How Does This Fit Into Messi’s World Cup Strategy?
Messi, 36, is entering his fifth World Cup, having won the 2022 tournament in Qatar. His preparation typically involves a mix of physical conditioning, tactical analysis, and mental resilience training. The Argentine Football Association has not disclosed specific details about his regimen, but sources indicate he has been working closely with sports psychologists and fitness experts.
Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta, now a coach, told La Nación, “Messi’s strength isn’t just in his skills—it’s in his ability to adapt. Watching a documentary on someone like Nadal, who overcame immense challenges, could be part of his mental preparation.”
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is set to begin in June 2026. Argentina’s group stage matches will be held in Miami and Dallas, with the final scheduled for the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The team’s next major test is a friendly against Croatia on June 1, 2024, in New York.
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