“Sad News”: Rafael Nadal Reflects on Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona Fallout

Published 08/08/2021, 9:36 PM EDT

The sky fell on millions of soccer fans with the news of Lionel Messi leaving FC Barcelona. Without any doubt, the left-footed magician would leave an irreparable void in the top division Spanish soccer league La Liga. Most certainly, it would change the face of the sport in Spain. Accordingly, tennis great Rafael Nadal, a soccer fan at heart, expressed what Messi’s exit means for Spanish fans.

What’s remarkable is that the all-time top goal scorer for Barcelona (682), Messi spent 21 years with the club; he has played for FCB his entire professional career. Therefore, even Nadal couldn’t hide his sadness despite being a fan of the club’s arch-rival Real Madrid.

Watch this story: Roger Federer’s Top 10 Mind Blowing Shots

Article continues below this ad

Rafael Nadal explains why Lionel Messi left FC Barcelona

Even though you’re not a soccer fan, it is most impossible to not know of Leo Messi. Moreover, for Spanish fans of soccer, there could not be any news sadder than this.

“As a football fan, losing a star like Leo and not seeing him every week in the League is sad news for those of us who love this sport and are Spanish,” Nadal said. (Translated via Google Translate)

Furthermore, the 20-time Grand Slam champion also reflected on the club’s decision to let go of one of its greatest stars. Although the negotiations were in place for over two seasons, the player and the club failed to meet the terms.

However, given the situation around the world, Nadal stated that the decision was not improbable.

“Messi is something that could happen,” Nadal continued. “Obviously, the world of football, like other sectors, is suffering. And the clubs are not the exception. Especially the clubs that, I understand, do not depend on a State, that does not have capital behind, are suffering a lot.”

Article continues below this ad

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona)

All in all, La Liga has now lost the Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of soccer – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Hence, the future of the Spanish league in competition with the English Premier League and others has become uncertain.

Article continues below this ad

What would be interesting to see is Barcelona building up from very scratch again. And as old legends go, new champions will rise.

CLASS ACT! Rafael Nadal Surprises Kids at Citi Open 2021

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Purav Joshi is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having a degree in Films, Television and Media Production, he guided his passion for writing and journalism into the sport of aces and rallies. With over 2 years of experience as a copywriter, Purav has authored over 500 tennis articles.

“Sad News”: Rafael Nadal Reflects on Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona Fallout

Rafael Nadal explains why Lionel Messi left FC Barcelona

Trending

Roger Federer Breaks Partnership With Billion Dollar Worth Italian Brand Days After Coco Gauff’s Stunning Commercial Appearance

Tennis News: Rafael Nadal Confirms Retirement ; Doping-Banned Mikael Ymer Announces Comeback; Stefanos Tsitsipas Dubbed as Hypocrite

Andy Roddick Hat Tips Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian with Ultimate Praise for Women’s Sports’ Skyrocketing Success

Bavarian International 2024: Taylor Fritz vs Jack Draper; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

Daughter Olympia’s Notorious Act Leaves Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian in Splits Despite Being Neglected in Family Sketch