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Real Madrid legend Marcelo has provided a response when asked to choose between former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and ex-rival Lionel Messi. The retired defender witnessed both players at their best, with their careers overlapping at various points since the 2000s.
Marcelo joined Twitch streamer Marlon for a livestream on Thursday, where he had to answer the question about his preference between Ronaldo and Messi. He pointed out that he feels very lucky to have witnessed both players' careers and that he suffered very much when he had to face Messi, but ultimately picked Ronaldo.
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"We are so lucky because we saw both of them (Ronaldo and Messi). We didn't see Pele and Maradona but we saw Cristiano and Messi. I love Cristiano, I played with him but I love to see Messi play. I suffered a lot against Messi, you know? I was there, I'm so lucky. For me, it's Cristiano because I played with him."
Marcelo has become the latest in a long line of professional footballers to face the 'Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi' question. The Brazilian showed his respect for both players, particularly Messi, despite having been bitter rivals with the forward for club and country.
Despite both men being in the twilight of their professional careers, it remains impossible to choose one over the other for their achievements in football. Responses like Marcelo's have been commonplace over the years and will continue to be, a testament to the kind of rivalry forged by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in their prime.
When Di Maria delivered Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi verdict
Former Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus star Angel Di Maria shared his verdict on the never-ending Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi debate in February 2025. The Rosario Central forward did not mince words as he picked Messi over Ronaldo, pointing to a number of reasons. He said (via beIN Sports);
"Cristiano was born in one generation, but the other was touched by a magic wand. One has eight Ballon d'Ors and the other five, that marks a huge difference. Also, being a world champion is something that makes an enormous difference. We see it in matches, minute by minute. One tries to do everything to stand out, while the other seems to be enjoying his football."
Di Maria was teammates with Ronaldo at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2014, with the pair winning the UEFA Champions League once. With Messi, on the other hand, he has been teammates in the national teams since 2008.
Messi and Di Maria both scored in the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which Argentina won, and won two Copa America titles with their country. The extent of their relationship and shared experiences have certainly contributed to Di Maria's choice in the debate.
