Former Real Madrid vice-captain Marcelo recently opened up about his experiences facing off against former Barcelona captain Lionel Messi on the pitch, describing the footballing legend as ‘evil’ in his competitive nature.

In a candid interview with Cortes Podpah, Marcelo revealed that Messi’s quiet demeanor during games made him even more intimidating to play against. The Brazilian defender admitted that he tried to avoid engaging with Messi on the field, as he knew that provoking the Argentine star would only make him more difficult to handle.

“Messi didn’t talk during the games and I tried not to talk to him because he was quiet,” Marcelo shared. “We always said that we should leave it like that, because if you decided to obstruct him, you would provoke him and then he would get angry, and if he was angry, he became more and more difficult to handle.”

Marcelo went on to describe Messi as ‘very evil’ in his approach to the game, noting that the forward seemed to always be one step ahead of his opponents. Despite his best efforts, Marcelo admitted that he often found himself on the losing end when facing off against Messi, with the Argentine coming out victorious in 16 out of their 33 encounters.

The rivalry between Marcelo and Messi, two of the biggest names in world football, captivated fans around the globe and showcased the intense competition between Real Madrid and Barcelona. While Marcelo may have struggled to contain Messi on the pitch, his respect for the footballing genius is evident in his candid reflections on their battles.

As fans reflect on the fierce competition between these two footballing giants, Marcelo’s insights offer a unique perspective on the challenges of facing off against a player of Messi’s caliber. Despite the intensity of their battles, Marcelo’s admiration for Messi’s skill and strategic mindset shines through, highlighting the mutual respect shared between two fierce competitors.

In the world of football, rivalries like the one between Marcelo and Messi serve as a testament to the passion and dedication of the players who grace the pitch. As fans continue to marvel at the talents of these footballing legends, Marcelo’s reflections provide a glimpse into the fierce competition and unwavering determination that define the beautiful game.