Teammates try to emulate him, and rivals applaud him. Lionel Messi can be called one of the best examples of someone who gains appreciation, even from the fiercest of opponents. In one such incident, a Fluminense-Brazilian star heaped praise on the Argentine legend, expressing the emotion of ‘many Brazilians’. He even took a step further by showcasing his memento to remember the star in the future.

The influence of the Inter Miami captain knows no bounds. Even Pele, aka ‘the king’ bestowed the title ‘prince’ upon him many years ago. Considering the not-so-loved relationship between the two South American giants, the description Lionel Messi received was worth noting.

Brazilian veteran reveres Lionel Messi as the ‘best player’ he has faced

The highest number of FIFA Player of the Year awards and Ballon d’Ors are just figures to depict the greatness of Lionel Messi. The player’s on-field game occupies a space in people’s minds, which can be observed through Felipe Melo‘s recent musings on the 36-year-old. Melo said, “I have a painting with Messi in my house so my children and grandchildren can see that I played against him. He is the best player I have faced, and it is natural that many Brazilians love him. He is a role model for everyone.”

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Melo has had his own set of moments in Brazil but could not win much in Europe. Even though he played very little (3 matches) against La Pulga, it was enough for the 40-year-old to feel that Lionel Messi is the best in the world. The player has taken his respect to the next level by keeping their painting at home as a memory for the next generations. Brazilian greats apart from Pele, like Ronaldo Nazario, have also shown admiration for the star in the past, saying that they liked him more than any other player. With so much backing from legends, Melo surely found his reason to support Lionel Messi.

Felipe Melo backed Messi for the Ballon d’Or too!

The Ballon d’Or was not an easy choice to make this time. Erling Haaland gave Lionel Messi a tough fight for the trophy, with 52 goals in the last season to go with a treble. However, the Argentine veteran aced the combat. Felipe Melo also supported his win, saying that Messi has vision despite losing speed due to age and is still the world’s best player.

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On the other hand, Melo and his team, Fluminense, won the Copa Libertadores. The team has reached the final of the FIFA Club World Cup and will play against European Champions Manchester City today. A win in the competition could amplify a memory greater than having the painting with Lionel Messi. Who do you think will emerge victorious? Let us know in the comments below.

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