Former Real Madrid full-back Marcelo has chosen Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi in the enduring GOAT debate, crediting Ronaldo's relentless competitiveness for pushing him to greater heights during their shared triumphs. The five-time Champions League winner, who played alongside Ronaldo for nine seasons, explained Ronaldo's intensity made defending and training sessions brutally challenging, fostering his own elite performance levels.
Marcelo acknowledged Messi's extraordinary talent but emphasized Ronaldo's direct impact on his career, noting the Portuguese star's work ethic and scoring prowess elevated Madrid's dynasty including four UCL titles. He dismissed easy comparisons, praising both icons while highlighting Ronaldo's physicality and mentality as uniquely demanding for teammates like himself.
The endorsement reignites discussions amid Ronaldo's 2025 form with 38 goals across club and country, underscoring Marcelo's loyalty to the player who complemented his attacking flair perfectly.