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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Brazilian star has faced a number of all-time greats</li><li>Considers Argentine icon to be best of the lot</li><li>Hoping for opportunities to line up with legends</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

‘I played against Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar’ - Newcastle & Brazil star Bruno Guimaraes picks his GOAT

<p>The Brazil international is currently on the books of Newcastle United, who he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/knighthood-next-eddie-howe-to-be-awarded-freedom-of-the-city-of-newcastle-upon-tyne-ending-magpies-70-year-trophy-drought/bltf41037075a1f3ba1" target="_blank">helped to a long-awaited major trophy in 2025</a> when lifting the Carabao Cup. He has also reached 33 senior caps for his country and will be hoping to grace the World Cup finals in 2026.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Bruno could come up against more iconic figures there, while gracing the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/neymar-2026-world-cup-brazil-santos-return-willing-play-anywhere-defensive-midfielder/blt4eb7c576255c2be6" target="_blank">same Selecao squad as Neymar</a>, but he is in no doubt as to who the best player on the planet is - with a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-lionel-messi-lifts-trophy-46-inter-miami-superstar-most-decorated-player-all-time-inter-miami-supporters-shield-mls-2024/blta5661435124b5e01" target="_blank">record-breaking collection of honours</a>, including eight Ballons d’Or, proving as much.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Bruno told <a href="https://tntsports.com.ar/internacional/messi-cristiano-respuesta-guimaraes-previa-argentina-brasil-20250319-0038.html " target="_blank"><em>TNT Sports</em></a> when discussing his toughest opponents and who, for him, stands out as being the greatest player of all-time: “I've played against Messi, Cristiano, Neymar... I choose Messi.”</p>

WHAT BRUNO GUIMARAES SAID

<p>It was during his days at Lyon, when facing Paris Saint-Germain, that Bruno first came up against Messi. He has previously told the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/KDHcY1u6yhg" target="_blank"><em>Charla</em></a> podcast of that somewhat surreal experience: “There was a time when we were playing Lyon and PSG. Messi was already at PSG. We were about to start the game. The referee gave a minute or so. Man, I saw Messi doing this gesture. I thought, 'Man, is he talking to me?' Messi was calling me over, gesturing like that (waving gesture). I went over, shook his hand, and he hugged me.</p><p>“Man, Messi called me over to talk to him! I couldn't believe he was talking to me. I swear to God, there's a video of that moment on the internet. So I went over. He said: 'How are you?' I said: 'All good, and you?' And then the game started or something like that. I was so excited! There's a video online.</p><p>“When he dribbles the ball, it's like he puts Super Glue on his foot; the ball never leaves his control! Wow! The guys told me to cover the left side. But it's Messi! You can't stop him, you can't. But in that game, I managed to mark him well. Yeah, he didn't score, thank God that didn't happen.”</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Messi is now <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/stars-aligning-lionel-messi-future-update-inter-miami-jorge-mas-contract-talks/blte2338e6f7b1967fe" target="_blank">plying his trade in MLS for Inter Miami</a>, while evergreen Portuguese superstar <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-final-career-goals-man-utd-coach-cr7-objectives-lebron-james-target-involving-portuguese-goat-son/blt9b4b88b27269a562" target="_blank">Ronaldo is still going strong at 40 years of age</a> for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Neymar, meanwhile, is <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-neymar-brazilian-superstar-free-kick-goal-incredible-angle-rb-bragantino-santos-hot-streak-injury-concern/blt277a1ddb307a3681" target="_blank">back where it all began for him after joining Santos</a> on a short-term contract.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

‘I played against Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar’ - Newcastle & Brazil star Bruno Guimaraes picks his GOAT | Goal.com

Bruno Guimaraes has named his football GOAT after lining up against Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar over the course of his career.