Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were the outstanding players of their era (Image: Getty Images)
Former Real Madrid defender Marcelo claims Lionel Messi is a better player than former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. The full-back experienced the peak of both during his time in Spain. Messi and Ronaldo’s famous rivalry began in earnest after Ronaldo moved from Manchester United to Los Blancos in 2009.
The Portuguese attacker led Real Madrid to two La Liga titles and four Champions League titles, scoring an astonishing 450 goals in 438 games for the Spanish club. Marcelo lined up with Ronaldo 333 times and even played against the 41-year-old in training.
The Brazil international maintains a contrasting relationship with former Barcelona legend Messi, as they faced each other numerous times in El Clasico as well as in international matches, with the former Barcelona player facing him 33 times.
Both Ronaldo and Messi have won a wealth of silverware, including a total of 13 Ballon d’Or awards, and continue to break records as they approach the end of their illustrious careers. However, when asked which pair would be more difficult for Marcelo to fight, he had a candid answer.
“Messi. He was an extraordinary player. I’m still trying to get him,” Marcelo joked while being interviewed by the legendary Brazilian striker on Romario TV.
“He understands all positions on the field very well. When a teammate brings the ball to him, 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 faced most frequently during his career, with the Argentina coach scoring 24 goals in 33 meetings. Their paths crossed many times during the 38-year-old’s time at Barcelona, where he played 778 games and scored 672 goals for his childhood club.
Marcelo shares his thoughts on playing against Lionel Messi (Image: Getty Images)
Messi was followed by Ronaldo to Real Madrid, and while Barcelona achieved a historic treble, their continued individual excellence has become a constant source of comparison.
Despite his allegiance to Los Blancos, Marcelo insists that supporters everywhere should value witnessing both players of their generation, rather than engaging in endless debates over who is at the top.
“I think the young guys and those of us who played in their era have to be grateful for that,” Marcelo continued. “Because I got to experience both eras.
“We have to be grateful that we were able to survive that era. I think it’s important to say that because a lot of people say, ‘Oh, but Cristiano…’ or ‘But Messi…’. No, we watched them and we still watch them. It’s about having fun.”
Currently, Messi is playing for Inter Miami, while Cristiano Ronaldo is playing for Al Nasr, and the last time they faced each other was in December 2020. The 2026 World Cup could be an opportunity for the two to reignite their historic rivalry this summer.
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