Brazilian football legend Marcelo has once again chosen Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi in the ongoing GOAT debate.
During a rapid-fire interview with Mexican twin content creators, Isi and Benny, known professionally as Si somos gemelos on social media, Marcelo was prompted to pick between Messi and Ronaldo.
“Oh, let me see… But you already know: Cristiano to the death,” Marcelo responded.
Marcelo’s inclination toward Ronaldo comes as little surprise, considering he spent nine seasons sharing the dressing room with the Portuguese elite player at Real Madrid.
Throughout their tenure in the Spanish capital, they secured numerous accolades, including the UEFA Champions League and LaLiga titles.
This was not Marcelo’s first time of choosing Ronaldo ahead of Messi. In an interview with YouTuber DjMaRiio in December 2025, Marcelo commended the former Barcelona icon but ultimately identified himself as a “devoted Cristiano enthusiast”.
Prior to the December 2025 interview, the former Real Madrid defender was requested to decide between the two athletes during a Twitch livestream, where he remarked:
“We are exceptionally fortunate to have witnessed both of them. We did not observe Pele and Maradona, yet we experienced Cristiano and Messi. I admire Cristiano, having played alongside him, though I equally appreciate watching Messi perform. I faced considerable challenges competing against Messi, you understand? I was present during those moments, and I consider myself fortunate. In my assessment, Cristiano holds the advantage because I competed with him.”
Lionel Messi appears to direct criticism toward the MLS commissioner in frustration following the Campeones Cup trophy celebration, with observers speculating about the underlying cause of his reaction.
While Marcelo has since ended his professional career, Messi and Ronaldo remain active competitors outside of Europe. The Argentine superstar plays for Inter Miami, whereas Ronaldo plays for Saudi Pro League organization Al-Nassr.