Tennis legend Rafa Nadal shows off special gift from Lionel Messi to celebrate anniversary of Argentina's World Cup win

Spanish Tennis legend Rafa Nadal's academy shared that Lionel Messi gifted him signed memorabilia to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his win.

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• Nadal shares gift from Messi
• Argentine gifted him signed national team kit, boots and ball
• Kit has personal inscription to tennis player

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  "Para Rafa, con mucho cariño admiracion [For Rafa, with much love and admiration]" read the inscription that Messi gifted Nadal on the kit, with it now being officially displayed at the Tennis star's academy. The facility, located in Manacor, Spain, helps train young tennis stars to bring the 'best' out of their players – much like Leo and the Argentina national team.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  One year on from Argentina's triumphant World Cup victory over France and Kylian Mbappe, it's become a day of celebration to recognize the greatness of Messi. However, Nadal himself is an athlete who is deemed to be one of the GOATs of their respective sport. The Spaniard even backed Messi to win the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award ahead of him earlier this year.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Rafa Nadal has recorded 22 Grand Slam titles across his storied career, including a record 14 French Open titles.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI

  The Argentine will go about celebrating the festive season with friends and family, before preseason starts up in January for MLS side Inter Miami. Come the new year, the Argentine will return to the pitch in competitive fashion.