Rivals not enemies : Former Real Madrid man, Marcelo gives honest verdict of Lionel Messi

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Former Real Madrid left-back and club legend, Marcelo has named Argentine and PSG forward, Lionel Messi as the toughest player he has come up against.


Messi and Marcelo faced several times in the Clasico when both were at their previous clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.

They also faced a few times when with their respective countries, as Lionel Messi lined up with Argentina while Marcelo did with Brazil.

Messi, who is considered the all-time greatest player, also appeared to have put any debate to bed following his conquest of the world with Argentina in Qatar last year was a contant headache for Marcelo, who had to put up with him in games.


Marcelo, when asked the toughest opponent he has faced: “Messi is unbelievable, he's the toughest opponent I've ever faced.”

During his time in Spain, Messi scored 26 goals and registered 14 assists in 47 games against Marcelo’s Real Madrid and was very influential in Barcelona's dominant in the LaLiga at the time.

Marcelo, who also enjoyed a successful spell with Real Madrid between 2007 and 2022, became the most decorated player in the club's history with 25 titles before his departure, endured a torrid time playing Barcelona because of Messi.

He has now acknowledged the seven time ballon d'or winner as the toughest opponent he has faced. Fair enough.


Author : Kehinde Hassan Afolabi 

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