Daniil Medvedev has compared Lionel Messi to Roger Federer as he picked 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 in that “you don’t understand how they do it.”

While tennis fans have debated who is the greatest between Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Federer throughout the ‘Big 3’ era, a similar argument has raged on in football.

Ronaldo and Messi, widely regarded as two of the greatest footballers in history, have divided fans having been the dominant forces in the sport for much of the last 15 years.

Messi, 36 currently plays for American MLS side Inter Miami, while Ronaldo, 38, represents Saudi Arabian team Al Nassr.

Speaking on an Instagram live, Medvedev revealed why he prefers Messi to the Portuguese legend and compared his skill to that of tennis icon Federer.

“I respect both of them. But Leo does things with the ball that Cristiano can’t do. 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 that he won.

The 27-year-old crucially lost an epic one-hour-and-45-minute second set on a tiebreak after being unable to convert a set point.

In his post-match press conference following the final, Medvedev discussed the gruelling set and admitted he had regrets about not winning it.

“Oh, regrets, for sure. Should have won it. Should have won it, but sometimes tennis 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, yeah, second set was the best set I played and I didn’t win it. So that’s why I kind of, I would say, it’s normal that the match went that way, because first and third he was kind of better and not much to say. Second if I would win it maybe could have been a different game.

“I don’t know if I would analyse it. Again, when we play next time it’s going to be different story. I’m not even sure there is anything much to analyse. Yeah, that’s how life is and tennis is. So I’m going to try to be better next time.”

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The article Daniil Medvedev makes Roger Federer comparison as he picks between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo appeared first on Tennis365.com.