Marcelo: Real Madrid Legend Names Ronaldo’s Bitter Rival As the “Toughest Opponent” He Has Faced

• Marcelo Vieira has picked former FC Barcelona No.10 Lionel Messi as the toughest opponent he has faced
• Despite admitting to his nightmarish encounter with Messi, Marcelo's career truly flourished in Spain, where he won multiple trophies with Real Madrid
• Currently on the books of boyhood club Fluminese, the 34-year-old remains the most decorated player in the history of Los Blancos

Legendary Real Madrid defender Marcelo Vieira has named Lionel Messi the toughest opponent he has ever faced.

The 34-year-old, who spent almost two decades with Los Blancos, crossed paths with Messi, who represented Barcelona at the time, on countless occasions during their stints in Spain.

In one of their duels in 2017, Marcelo took ownership of a last-gasp winner scored by Leo Messi on a counterattack, which resulted in an agonizing loss for Real Madrid.

"It was a mistake, it could happen to anyone, but I take the blame for the goal," the Brazilian said via MARCA.

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It thus comes as little to no surprise Marcelo picked the former Barcelona talisman as the toughest opponent he has encountered during an interview session at his unveiling as a new Fluminese player.

When quizzed about his "toughest opponent", the Madrid icon answered: "Messi."

Here is the video:

Marcelo's successful stint in Spain

The 34-year-old's career truly blossomed once he swapped his native Brazil for Spain.

He became Real Madrid's most decorated player, winning 25 trophies during his time with Los Blancos, per Reuters.

Marcelo played 546 games for Madrid, notched 38 goals and provided 103 assists.

He spent 16 years with the Spanish giants before signing as a free agent for Olympiacos in Greece, which lasted for only 10 games.

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Marcelo terminates Olympiacos contract

Meanwhile, Marcelo's stint in Greece after leaving Real Madrid ended abruptly following the termination of his contract with Olympiacos.

The Real Madrid legend joined Olympiacos on a free transfer last summer after bringing an end to his 16-trophy-laden years at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In his brief stint in Greece, he made 10 appearances and scored three goals in all competitions for Olympiacos this season, according to Transfermarket.

Marcelo copies Ronaldo's 'Siuu' celebration

Sports Brief also reported that Marcelo Oliviera stole Cristiano Ronaldo's infamous 'SIUU' celebration as he scored for Olympiacos in the Greek Cup on Wednesday night.

Olympiacos advanced to the quarterfinals of the Cup competition after drawing 2-2 with Atromitos at the Peristeri Stadium.

The 34-year-old paid a tribute to his former Real Madrid teammate, Ronaldo, by hitting the legendary forward's iconic goal celebration.