Daniil Medvedev compared Lionel Messi to Roger Federer when he chose the Argentine legend over fellow football great Cristiano Ronaldo.
The world No 3 argued that Messi “does things with the ball that Cristiano can’t” and likened him to Federer who “you don’t understand how they do it.”
While tennis fans debate who is the greatest between Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Federer throughout the ‘Big 3’ era, a similar argument has erupted in football.
Ronaldo and Messi, widely recognized as two of the greatest players in history, have divided the fans who have been the dominant force in the game for most of the past 15 years.
Messi, 36, currently plays for American MLS side Inter Miami, while Ronaldo, 38, represents Saudi Arabian team Al Nassr.
Speaking on Instagram live, Medvedev revealed why he chose Messi over the Portuguese legend and compared his skills to tennis icon Federer.
“I respect them both. But Leo does things with the ball that Cristiano can’t. In this, Messi is like Federer. You don’t understand how they do it,” said the Russian.
Medvedev was defeated in straight sets in the final of the 2023 US Open by world No 1 Djokovic last week – in a rematch of the 2021 title match which he won.
The 27-year-old crucially lost an epic one-hour and 45-minute second set in a tiebreak after failing to convert a set point.
Thanks for the last 2 weeks New York! ?? You are good. Not the result we were hoping for today. Congratulations to @DjokerNole at #24. See you next year @usopen. pic.twitter.com/ybqDDNHpD2
— Daniil Medvedev (@DaniilMedwed) September 11, 2023
In his post-match press conference after the final, Medvedev spoke about the grueling set and admitted that he regretted not winning it.
“Oh, sorry, sure. Should have won. It would have won, but sometimes tennis is not that easy. Passing for sure down the line, not cross, but I have two choices and I chose the wrong one,” reflected the world No. 3.
“In general, yes, the second set was the best set I played and I didn’t win it. So I said, I can say, it’s normal to play like that, because first and third he was very good and not much to say.Secondly if I win maybe it will be a different game.
“I don’t know if I can analyze it. Also, when we play next time it will be a different story. I’m not sure there is much to analyze. Yes, such is life and tennis. So I will try to be better next time. “
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