Rafael Nadal fires up Spain with heartfelt World Cup final message before Lionel Messi showdown

For Spain, it is a chance at a second FIFA World Cup title, to add to the one from 2010.

Published on: Jul 19, 2026, 07:25:07 IST

Reported by Neelav Chakravarti

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Rafael Nadal had a special message for Spain, ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup final vs Argentina. Nadal is no stranger to pressure and knows the situation Spanish players are in. Nadal retired from professional tennis in 2024 and reflected on his dual-sport passion.

Rafael Nadal backed Spain ahead of the World Cup final. (Pool via Reuters)

Spain clinched a 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals and is among the most utterly dominant teams in this World Cup. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi came to Argentina's rescue in their 2-1 win vs England, where he got two assists.

Also Read: FIFA makes major World Cup final call as New York chokes on wildfire smoke

Taking to X, Nadal wrote, "Ever since I was little, soccer has been one of my great passions. I've always enjoyed playing, watching matches, and supporting our national team."

"I can still remember the thrill of living in South Africa for the 2010 final.

"We'll never forget it!

"Tomorrow we have another chance to enjoy one of those matches that make history against a national team and a country that I respect and admire greatly.

“Best of luck, Let's go, Spain!”

Spain was forced to cancel their final training session on Saturday, due to thunderstorms in New Jersey. Meanwhile, Argentina's session was delayed by 45 minutes.

For Spain, it is a chance at a second World Cup title, to add to the one from 2010. Meanwhile, for Argentina, it's a chance to become the first back-to-back World Cup winners, since Pele and Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962.

Speaking ahead of the match, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said, "On Sunday, we will watch a great show."

"Two great national teams — two superteams, in my opinion — very similar in some aspects in terms of attitude, footballers’ talent. I think that it’s going to be an amazing final."

The story of how Messi and Lamine Yamal, who were photographed together nearly two decades ago when the Spanish winger was a baby, will be sharing the field in a World Cup final.

"We grew up playing soccer with passion, eager to play. We played everywhere. We played on the street. We played at school. We played in teams. We didn’t think about the pressure. It was just natural play," Messi said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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