Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez Spotted Playing Padel Tennis Ahead of Copa America; Video

• Inter Miami superstars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have teamed up to play some padel ahead of the start of the 2024 Copa America
• Padel is generally viewed as a simpler game than tennis, with notable differences in the size of the balls and rackets
• Many soccer players take up padel to enhance their agility and coordination, although Barcelona recently banned the sport

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.

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The video highlighted not only Messi's athletic versatility but also his continuous appeal as an international sports icon.

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."

What is Padel Tennis?

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.

What lies ahead for Messi and Argentina?

As Argentina prepares to defend their Copa America title, Messi's casual padel session with Suarez offered a rare look into their personal lives.

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The 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.

Messi compares Argentina to Guardiola's Barcelona

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.