Ronaldinho is better than Messi - Barca legend Márquez
Former Barcelona star Rafael Márquez has put legendary Brazilian Ronaldinho ahead of Lionel Messi in his ranking of greatest ever footballer.
The Mexican legend played with both men during his spell at Camp Nou and feels Ronaldinho's unpredictable style sets him apart from Messi.
Márquez signed for the Blaugrana at the same time as Ronaldinho in the summer of 2003 and the pair won five trophies together including two La Liga titles and the Champions League crown in 2006.
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That win made Márquez the first Mexican to win European football's top trophy and the former Barca fan favourite had his say on the ongoing GOAT debate.
Márquez on Ronaldinho
Speaking to Marca in Mexico, Márquez said: I lived with Ronaldinho from the beginning of my time with Barcelona.
"I saw him with different abilities. Messi is out of this world, but Ronaldinho had that magic, that party, that joy.
"Whenever you thought he was going to do something, he came out with something else, that makes him different."
Márquez on the GOAT
Despite his praise for Ronaldinho, Márquez stopped short of naming him as his greatest ever player.
He reserved that accolade for another legendary Brazilian. He said: "The best player in history, the one who has marked a line is Pelé."
Márquez on Messi
Although Messi isn't considered the greatest by Márquez, the defender did have some kind words to say about the Barca legend.
"The relationship was very good, we were not very good friends, but inside the dressing room it was always a cordial relationship," he said.
Whenever you thought he was going to do something, he came out with something else, that makes him different
- "We were almost the same style of character, he was quiet and I was quiet too, but on the pitch we transformed, we were different but I always got along with Leo."
Márquez on 2021 Ballon d’Or
When pressed by Marca on who he believed deserved to be the winner of the 2021 Ballon d’Or, Márquez insisted there was only one man who should receive the prize. He said: "Lewandowski has been the most consistent, Bayern is one of the favourites to win another Champions League."
