'I've known Cristiano Ronaldo for years – I can't accept claim on Lionel Messi'
Real Madrid legend Marcelo has refused to label Lionel Messi the greatest footballer of all time. He witnessed the Argentinian maestro's magic up close during his peak years at Barcelona.
The Brazilian left-back, who faced off against Messi in 30 fiery El Clasicos and saw him net 21 goals, also observed the intense rivalry between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as they vied for the title of the world's top player. In their prime, the pair dominated the Ballon d'Or award.
Messi has won the trophy eight times to Ronaldo's five. However, Real Madrid hero Marcelo hesitated to declare Messi the sport's best-ever player after the statement was put to him during an appearance on La Revuelta.
Presenter David Broncano suggested that Marcelo had encountered the sport's finest in Messi, but the defender responded: "Well, I appreciate him a lot. He's an excellent player, he's unbelievable. I couldn't even see him pass. He's very quick.
"It's difficult to choose the best in history. What about those who have played before? Maradona, Pele, Di Stefano, Cruyff..."
Marcelo soon began to reflect on the incredible competitiveness between Ronaldo and Messi during their time together in La Liga. The former Brazil international argued that their intense rivalry somewhat overshadowed their individual brilliance.
"We are fortunate to have played in the same era as Cristiano and Messi," he said. However, Marcelo was clear about what Ronaldo thought of Messi during his time in Spain.
"Cristiano thinks he is better. He has said so," Marcelo said. "Remember that there was a time when it was really difficult because if Messi scored two, Cristiano had to score three. If Cristiano scored three, Messi had to score four.
'We've seen this live, and we've enjoyed it a lot. Many people want to compare them, but they forget to enjoy that.'
The Brazilian defender clinched six La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies with Real Madrid. He may have won more if it hadn't been for a Messi-inspired Barcelona. The Argentine won 10 league titles and four Champions Leagues during his spell at the Camp Nou.
Despite the two clubs' fierce rivalry, Marcelo revealed his bond with several Barca legends. "I get on very well with some Barça players," he said. "Piqué is very genuine, very honest. I like people to be sincere. I have a lot of respect for Puyol, Iniesta, Xavi. Guardiola's era was complicated. We had to try to have the ball, but it was very difficult."
Meanwhile, Ronaldo and Messi continue to build on their legacies in the twilight years of their respective careers. Ronaldo recently celebrated Portugal winning the Nations League and will aim to lead his nation at next year's World Cup.
Messi's immediate focus is on helping Inter Miami advance in the Club World Cup. Javier Mascherano's team drew their opening match with Egyptian side Al-Ahly on Sunday. The club face Porto on Thursday before concluding their group phase against Palmeiras next Tuesday.
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