Rafael Nadal is asking fans NOT to vote for him to win Laureus Sportsman of the Year as he supports Lionel Messi for the award

RAFAEL NADAL asked fans NOT to vote for him to win Laureus Sportsman of the Year – instead urging them to choose a rival.

The Spanish tennis king, 36, had a simply stunning 2022.

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He won the Australian Open and French Open to rise to 22 Grand Slam singles titles, the men’s record now joined by Novak Djokovic.

Nadal was also unbeaten for 20 games to start his campaign, despite only just returning from injury, and was forced to withdraw ahead of his Wimbledon semi-final showdown with Nick Kyrgios with a abdominal tear.

It’s been a truly remarkable season for the veteran tennis legend, who is also a first-time father.

And yet he doesn’t think he deserves the prestigious gong.

Instead, the football-loving muscle machine believes it should go to Lionel Messi.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner led his Argentina side to a memorable World Cup triumph in Qatar, with the instrumental captain being crowned Player of the Tournament.

Taking to Instagram, Nadal said: “An honor to be nominated again for Laureus Sportsman of the Year…but…this year…

“C’mon @leomessi you deserve it.”

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Fans on social media loved the stylish gesture from the former world No. 1 and two-time Wimbledon winner.

One said: “The GOAT Nadal recognizes the GOAT Messi if that’s not nice…”

Another wrote: “Nadal darling let’s goooo Messi for the win.”

And a third added: “That’s why Nadal is the best tennis player of all time.”

Nadal – who wants his compatriot, former world No. 1 and US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz to win the breakthrough prize – is up against Kylian Mbappe, Max Verstappen, Mondo Duplantis, Steph Curry and Messi for the men’s prize.

The women’s nominees are Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (athletics), Katie Ledecky (swimming), Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (athletics), Alexia Putellas (football), Mikaela Shiffrin (alpine skiing) and Iga Swiatek (tennis). .

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