Rafael Nadal backs Lionel Messi to win Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award over him
Rafael Nadal has given his backing to Lionel Messi to win the 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award – despite being nominated for the prize himself. Nadal and Messi were among six male athletes announced as nominees, along with Kylian Mbappe, Max Verstappen, Armand Duplantis and Steph Curry. Ad Nadal’s 2022 season saw him win the Australian Open and French Open to move to 22 Grand Slam titles.


