Marcelo has spoken about the ongoing debate regarding Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by shedding light on what he thinks. According to him, it is pointless to compare both players because they serve a very important purpose in the world of football.
Marcelo contemplates Ronaldo’s quote
A few days ago, Cristiano Ronaldo proclaimed himself as the greatest football player of all time. This statement triggered worldwide arguments and brought back the rivalry with Lionel Messi. Unlike many, Marcelo, who for over ten years played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid, had a different opinion.
During an interview on La Revuelta, the Brazilian star softened his stance on each player’s excellence. Marcelo stated, “Best player in history? I don’t think there is one,” and went on to explain, “Having witnessed Cristiano and Messi play is a treat. I don’t like comparisons, but both of them were phenomenal. It is sad how many people try to compare and miss out on the joys of life.”
Marcelo further elaborated on how both players drove one another to greater achievements. “If Messi scored two goals, then Cristiano needed to score three. Afterward, Messi would want a goal and score four,” he stated.
Marcelo’s Opinion of Messi
The professional relationship between Marcelo and Ronaldo was good-natured, but the Brazilian also had good words for Messi. He spoke with admiration about how challenging it was to guard the Argentine ace. “Messi? Yes, I appreciate him a lot. He’s incredible,” Marcelo said. “I thought you guys were going to show me dribbling videos of him running circles around me (laughs). I didn’t even get to see him take a shot. He is fast,”
Marcelo has participated in numerous El Clásico’s against Barcelona and is one of the handful of defenders who had the privilege of marking Messi in his prime. His remarks will certainly add on to the relentless and never-ending debate of who the best football player in history is.
The True Start of Marcelo’s and Ronaldo’s Friendship
Marcelo also told how his friendship with Ronaldo began. It has to do with an international match that was played between Brazil and Portugal many, many years ago. “I fouled him out because he was going too fast. I kicked him, and he grabbed me,” Marcelo said. “I tried, but he was too tall for me, (laughs). All of a sudden I was getting a message that Real Madrid were about to sign him, in two months. I said, ‘I’m leaving Madrid.’ (laughs) That was okay with him.”
Through the years their bond has grown with several trophies at Real Madrid.
The Legendary Career of Marcelo
Marcelo was signed by Real Madrid in 2007 from Fluminense. With a total of 546 matches played, he had 38 goals and 101 assists. Altogether, he won an astounding 25 titles, five of which were UEFA Champions League titles. Only a few Real Madrid legends have ever had more Champions League trophies: Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal.
His legacy stands tall as one of the greatest left-backs ever in football history.
Final Verdict
The discussion about who is greater, Ronaldo or Messi, is likely to continue. But Marcelo’s words certainly throw another light on the whole story: he calls out for admiring both players from the point of view of having contributed significantly to soccer. Be it Messi’s dribbling or Ronaldo’s deadly finishing, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that football has been blessed with the feather of two legendary competitors.
