Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been the standout players of their era (Image: Getty Images)
Former Real Madrid defender Marcelo has claimed that Lionel Messi is a superior player to his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. The full-back witnessed both of their peak years during their time in Spain. The celebrated rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo properly began after the latter transferred to Los Blancos from Manchester United in 2009.
The Portuguese attacker propelled Real Madrid to two La Liga titles and four Champions League victories, remarkably netting 450 goals in 438 matches for the Spanish club. Marcelo lined up alongside Ronaldo on 333 occasions and also competed against the 41-year-old in training.
The Brazil international maintained a contrasting relationship with former Barcelona legend Messi, whom he encountered 33 times, owing to their numerous El Clasico clashes and international fixtures on opposite teams.
Both Ronaldo and Messi have secured a wealth of silverware, including a combined 13 Ballon d’Or honours, and continue to shatter records as they approach the conclusion of their distinguished careers. Though for Marcelo, the response was straightforward when questioned which of the pair was more difficult to compete against.
“Messi. He was extraordinary. I’m still trying to catch him,” Marcelo joked on Romario TV while being interviewed by the legendary Brazilian striker.
“He understands all the positions on the field very well. When a teammate comes with the ball, he already knows where to go,” he said.
Marcelo added: “He’s very impressive. Messi is very tough.”
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Messi was the opponent Marcelo encountered most frequently throughout his career, with the Argentina skipper netting 24 goals across their 33 meetings. Their paths crossed repeatedly during the 38-year-old’s tenure at Barcelona, where he struck 672 goals in 778 appearances for his childhood club.
Marcelo gave his thoughts on playing against Lionel Messi (Image: Getty Images)
Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid followed Messi inspiring Barcelona to a historic treble, and their relentless individual excellence prompted constant comparisons.
Despite his allegiances to Los Blancos, Marcelo maintains that supporters everywhere should treasure having witnessed both players in the same generation rather than engaging in endless disputes over who reigns supreme.
“I think that young people, and those of us who played in their era, have to be grateful for that,” Marcelo continued. “Because I was able to experience both of their eras.
“We have to be grateful that we were able to live through those times. I think it’s important to say that because many people say, ‘Oh, but Cristiano…’, ‘But Messi…’. No: we saw them, we’re seeing them now. It’s something to enjoy.”
With Messi now performing for Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo turning out for Al-Nassr, their final competitive encounter against one another came in December 2020. The 2026 World Cup could present the pair with an opportunity to rekindle their storied rivalry this summer.
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