Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s rivalry was equivalent to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s as claimed by Italian football great Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon believes that the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi was similar to that of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s rivalry was equivalent to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s as claimed by Italian football great Gianluigi Buffon

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi (Source: Twitter)

Italian football great Gianluigi Buffon likened the rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to that of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The former duo are recognized as the greatest rivals in the history of tennis, and the same goes for the latter in football.

Gianluigi Buffon believes that Roger Federer had exceptional talent and class, whereas, Rafael Nadal reached the pinnacle of the sport through his sheer hard work. He likens Roger Federer’s abilities to that of Lionel Messi, and the Spanish tennis star’s qualities with Cristiano Ronaldo.

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There is no denying the fact that all four sportsmen have achieved some of the biggest laurels in the sporting world. Roger Federer has claimed 20 Grand Slam titles during his playing career, whereas, Rafael Nadal currently sits on 22 Major titles. The Swiss maestro announced his retirement from the sport last year at the Laver Cup.

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“Leo Messi is Federer, while Cristiano Ronaldo is like Nadal”: Gianluigi Buffon

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi (Source: Twitter)
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi (Source: Twitter)

Gianluigi Buffon has shared the footballing stage with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for well over a decade. The trio competed in European competitions, clashing against each other on numerous occasions. “Federer is infinite class, while Nadal is perseverance, sweat and also talent, otherwise you cannot win all the Grand Slams he achieved,” the Italian said.

“Nadal’s hard work and constant desire to improve himself allowed him to be on a par with the most talented tennis player in history. The comparison is obvious and makes me smile, as Leo Messi is Federer, while Cristiano Ronaldo is like Nadal,” he added.

Gianluigi Buffon himself is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, having competed in over 1,100 professional matches. He was also a part of the Italian World Cup-winning squad back in 2006. He is currently a part of the Parma squad, which is competing in Italy’s second division.

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