Adidas athletes: A list of the most influential athletes sponsored by Adidas
Athletics![Adidas athletes: A list of the most influential athletes sponsored by Adidas](https://images.sportsbrief.com/images/320x180/9c7a9c012ada34ba.webp?v=1)
PAY ATTENTION: Checkout Fixtures; Live Scores; Results and Tables section on Sports Brief and never miss out on the action ⚽️
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami colleague Luis Suarez recently grabbed attention off the soccer field with an engaging padel tennis match.
This friendly game quickly gained traction on social media, stirring up excitement among fans just before the Copa America 2024.
In the video circulating online, Messi, famous for his exceptional left-footed skills in football, impressively played padel with his right hand, showcasing his adaptability.
Adidas athletes: A list of the most influential athletes sponsored by Adidas
AthleticsThe video highlighted not only Messi's athletic versatility but also his continuous appeal as an international sports icon.
Hey there: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Despite his immense soccer talent, Messi modestly commented on his padel abilities, admitting in an interview via Marca:
"I'm not great at padel tennis. I enjoy playing it, but I'm just average."
Padel is a hybrid sport combining elements of tennis and squash, typically played in doubles on an enclosed court with glass and metal mesh walls.
\It is considered simpler than tennis, with differences in ball and racket sizes. Many soccer players engage in padel to enhance their agility and coordination.
However, Tribuna reports that Barcelona recently banned it to avoid unnecessary injuries among players.
As Argentina prepares to defend their Copa America title, Messi's casual padel session with Suarez offered a rare look into their personal lives.
Who are the most famous horse polo players ever? A list of the top 10 horse polo players
Other SportsThe upcoming tournament is crucial for Argentina, with fans eagerly waiting to see Messi's performance.
His leadership and skills will be vital as Argentina faces Canada in their opening match, marking the start of their campaign to replicate past successes under Messi's captaincy.
Sports Brief previously reported on Messi comparing Argentina to Pep Guardiola's Barcelona after his national team became holders of three international trophies.
Barca, under Guardiola between 2008 and 2012, is regarded as one of the best teams ever, and the Inter Miami star thinks it's a lot, but his current Argentina side are very close to 'prime' Barcelona.