Leo Messi, the former Barcelona legend and current Inter Miami star, has received glowing compliments from his former El Clasico rival Casemiro, who played for Real Madrid. The Brazilian midfielder, who is now with Manchester United said that Messi was one of the three greatest players of his generation and that he made an era with his competitiveness and talent.
Casemiro, who faced Messi regularly during his time in La Liga, said that he admired the Argentine for his achievements with Barcelona and Argentina and that he was a pleasure to play against. The Brazilian also said that anyone who loves football would love Messi, regardless of the team they support.
The Manchester United star told Placar, “Messi made an era and he was always competitive with Barcelona and Argentina and there was no way out. Whoever loves football will love Messi. It was a pleasure to play against him. He is someone who needs no comment you can only admire.”
Casemiro also named Messi as one of the three best players of his generation, along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. He said that Messi and Ronaldo had transformed football with their incredible scoring records, while Neymar was his teammate for Brazil and PSG. “I didn't get to watch Maradona or Pele play, but I enjoyed watching the three greatest players of my generation: Messi, Cristiano, and Neymar,” Casemiro said.
Casemiro played with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, winning four Champions League titles and two La Liga titles with him. Casemiro has also played with Neymar for Brazil, winning the Copa America in 2018/19. The midfielder never played with Messi, but he witnessed his brilliance first-hand in many El Clasico matches.
Messi left Barcelona in 2021 after 21 years at the club, where he won 35 trophies and scored 672 goals, and assisted 303. The seven-time Balon D’or winner has joined Inter Miami in the MLS, where he is yet to make his debut.
Casemiro puts his hand up for the next Manchester United Captain
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has expressed his desire to become the captain of the club. The Brazilian, who joined United from Madrid in 2022, has been one of the most consistent performers for the Red Devils, helping them to a top-four place in the Premier League and the FA Cup last season.
Casemiro, who has 69 caps for Brazil and is their current captain, said he feels prepared and ready to take on the responsibility of leading United on and off the pitch. The midfielder said, “I like having this role, yes, to be honest."
"Being a leader, caring, being like a father, going after things, I like to set an example and be the first to arrive, I like to play this role. The captain’s [armband] is nothing more than a symbol, but the players have the responsibility to talk to the referee, to the players - I like to be that example player,” he continued.
