Marcelo names Lionel Messi his toughest opponent ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo | OneFootball

Marcelo has named Lionel Messi as his toughest opponent, placing the Argentine ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo despite their long Real Madrid partnership. “Messi [was tougher to face],” the 37-year-old said. He told RomarioTV.

“Messi understands all of the positions on the field very well.”

The Brazilian left-back spent 15 years at Real Madrid and his domestic seasons were often shaped by El Clasico duels with Messi. Their first run-in was fiery in Brazil’s 6-2 friendly win over Portugal in 2008, when Ronaldo elbowed him after a heavy tackle, Marcelo kicked back, and the forward grabbed him by the neck before officials intervened.

Months later Ronaldo joined Madrid, and the pair became close, combining down the left and winning four Champions League titles together.

Marcelo won five Champions Leagues and six La Liga titles, yet the World Cup eluded him. “That question is wild. I’m going to be straight with you. Yes, I would swap them.”

Ronaldo remains the leading scorer, having crossed 900 and now on 967 goals for club and country. Messi hit 900 in March for Inter Miami in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and averages a goal every 104 minutes to Ronaldo’s 111.

Both are eyeing one last tilt at the 2026 World Cup in North America, with Messi aiming to defend the crown won in Qatar in 2022.

Source: Goal.com