From Manchester United, Casemiro, who has played against Lionel Messi on several occasions with Real Madrid and Brazil, speaks out to give his honest opinion on the Barcelona legend.

Who is the greatest footballer in history? It’s a question that has been asked repeatedly for several years now. But after the final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, many are seriously starting to avoid this debate, since according to some, there can no longer be any doubt that Lionel Messi has bowed out to Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo. In any case, Casemiro is among those who recognise the greatness of La Pulga.

In an interview with Brazilian media Placar in 2023, Real Madrid legend Casemiro was asked about the players who have left their mark on his generation. Although he has seen legends such as Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho and Zidane play, the Red Devil midfielder cited Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. For him, these three stars are the three patrons of his generation.

‘I’ve had the pleasure of watching Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, who are the three greatest players of my generation. I’ve seen Ronaldo [Nazario], I’ve seen Zinedine Zidane. But without a doubt, those three (Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar) are the best of my era. I’ve never played against Cristiano, thank God! He’s given me a lot of titles and victories,’ began Real Madrid legend Casemiro, who thanked God he’d never crossed paths with Cristiano Ronaldo.

‘You love football, you have to love Messi’

Casemiro didn’t stop there. The former Real Madrid midfielder, who played several Clasico matches against Lionel Messi’s Barcelona, dwelt on the greatness of La Pulga. Despite winning a host of titles, including 5 Champions Leagues with the Casa Blanca, Casemiro admits that he has struggled against the Argentinian elf.

He believes that anyone who loves football should love Lionel Messi, who is recognised by many as the greatest footballer of all time. ‘Lionel Messi has left his mark. There’s no denying that. He was always a rival with Barcelona and Argentina. There was no escaping it. But anyone who loves football loves Messi. It was a pleasure to play against him. He’s a man who needs no comment. You just have to admire him,’ added Casemiro.