It is one thing to be praised by adoring fans and those who love your club, but it is another to be praised by a footballing great. Lionel Messi is arguably the GOAT of football, the greatest to ever play the game. He has amassed hundreds of goals for his country and club, notably Barcelona, over the years. Now, he has broken into the U.S. league system for David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
But it isn’t everyone who receives high praise from other elite-level players. Marcelo, a Real Madrid legend who is one of the best Brazilians to ever step foot on the pitch, praised Messi. He said the way he plays is so deceptive, quick, and smart that he can avoid challenges and tackles.
Marcelo Praises the Famous Argentine Striker
Lionel Messi has ‘wowed’ and ‘awed’ crowds around the world for decades now. From his days at Barcelona as a young teenager, where he dribbled past three defenders, to his veteran days at Inter Miami, he is one of the best. And Marcelo knows more so than anyone, having played against him in Champions League games and Argentina vs. Brazil matches.
Marcelo had the highest praise for his talented rival, although it might not sound the most endearing.
‘He is very evil. He is calm, and then out of nowhere, he starts dodging. He thinks before everyone else.’
And he would be right. Messi has scored 826 goals in his career and earned his salary. Plus, he is the only player, male or female, to have won six European Golden Boot trophies, amassing his total trophy collection to a whopping 44 pieces of silverware.
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Real Madrid vs. Lionel Messi
On This Day in 2011, Lionel Messi scored two goals in the first-leg of the @championsleague semi-finals against Real Madrid.
Do you think this was one of the most heated and tense Clasicos in recent years? Comment below ?@FCBarcelona @TeamMessi pic.twitter.com/00ku8SDsjq
— Leo Messi ? Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) April 27, 2020
When Marcelo played for Real Madrid, he saw first-hand-first leg just how hard it was to defend and stop the swerving Argentine footballer. Especially in the 2016-2017 season, Real Madrid coaches tried to use shady tactics to stop Lionel Messi from dribbling through the entire team.
However, oftentimes, it was to no avail. Real Madrid players were so tired of chasing him, resulting in fouls, pulling his shirt, and slide tackling.
And they probably should have. Messi has a fantastic record in all of his matches against Real Madrid. The El Clasico match between Real Madrid and Barcelona will go down as one of the best of all time. And, of course, Messi’s brilliance was on full display.