Marcelo admits Lionel Messi is the toughest opponent he's ever faced despite also coming up against Cristiano Ronaldo early in his career.
The former Real Madrid star recently left the Spanish capital after a trophy-laden period that saw him win the Champions League five times. Four of those victories came alongside Ronaldo, whom he formed an immensely close bond with at the Bernabeu.
Marcelo, Ronaldo and co were involved, in the eyes of many, in the greatest El Clasico era of all-time such was the strength of Madrid and Barcelona, who were then led by Pep Guardiola. Lionel Messi was their talisman and was winning Ballon d'Ors at will.
The Brazilian defender was among those tasked with keeping the Argentine quiet and made his feelings clear on the forward. He told The Athletic : “Messi is incredible, the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced. We all know the quality he has even now, aged 35, and before it was the same. El Clasico has always been one of the best games to watch and play.
"I was lucky enough to have featured in one of the best eras of Clasicos. But it wasn’t just Messi, there were other players who were also incredible.”
Barcelona, who claimed European glory in 2009 and 2011 whilst also dominating LaLiga, also had the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and David Villa in their ranks. The Catalans enjoyed some notable wins over their rivals, including a 5-0 drubbing at the Nou Camp during Jose Mourinho's tenure.
Los Blancos themselves captured some big wins in that period, beating their rivals on their own patch in 2012 to all but seal the title. Marcelo remained at the club when Ronaldo opted to seek pastures new and continued to face Messi and Barcelona before leaving in 2022.
He said on his relationship with Ronaldo: "There were a lot of videos of Cris and I doing jokes in training, the celebration (“Siuuuh!”) and so on, but Sergio (Ramos), Casemiro, Luka (Modric), Karim (Benzema)… I have a lot of friends in football. Of course, what came out was always about Cristiano and the celebration and it’s super normal, but I have other friends as well with whom I do things outside of football."
Ronaldo, who faced Brazil and Marcelo in a friendly back in 2008, has said on his former colleague: “More than a teammate, a brother that football gave me. On and off the pitch, one of the greatest stars with whom I had the pleasure of sharing a dressing room."
