Lionel Messi lauds 'genius' Roger Federer after Swiss superstar retires - 'an example for any athlete'

Lionel Messi has called Roger Federer a «genius» who is «an example for any athlete». Messi took to social media to laud Federer after the 20-time Grand Slam champion announced his retirement from competitive tennis. Ad Federer, 41, said on social media that after this year's Laver Cup — which runs from September 23 to 25 and is exclusively live on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk — he will step away from tennis for good after a series of injuries and operations.

Laver Cup‘I have always looked up to you’ – Williams welcomes Federer to retirement club2 HOURS AGO The announcement led to an outpouring of love for the Swiss superstar across the sporting world. Serena Williams said that she «always looked up to” Federer in a post on Instagram, and Messi has now followed suit. “A genius, unique in the history of tennis and an example for any athlete,” wrote Messi.

“All the best in your new stage, we will miss seeing you on the court making us enjoy.” The 41-year-old Federer has not played since Wimbledon 2021 after having a third knee operation and will play competitively for one last time at the end of this month. Wilander lauds Federer: Like Pavarotti singing Bob Dylan songs 'Went way over tennis' — Federer was the sport's most charismatic player, says Corretja 'A sad day' — Nadal hails Federer and wishes 'this day would never have come' »My body's message to me lately has been clear," Federer said in a video released on social media on Thursday. «I have played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years.