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

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 hole 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. That is, he played for FCB his entire professional career until now. Therefore, even Nadal couldn’t hide his sadness despite being a fan of the club’s arch-rival Real Madrid.

MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 15: Tennis player Rafael Nadal (C), father Sebastian Nadal (L) and sister Maria Isabel Nadal (R) look on from the stand prior to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid CF and SSC Napoli at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 15, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

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Rafael Nadal explains why Lionel Messi left FC Barcelona

Even though you do not follow Spanish soccer or soccer entirely, it is most unlikely to not know of Leo Messi. Moreover, for Spanish fans, 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.

(All quotes are translated from Spanish to English via Google Translate).

Soccer Football – Lionel Messi holds an FC Barcelona press conference – 1899 Auditorium, Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain – August 8, 2021 Lionel Messi during the press conference REUTERS/Albert Gea

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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.”

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

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

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