Mbappe is more difficult to play against than Lionel Messi, says Lyon's Marcelo

What's the story?

In yet another dig at Lionel Messi by Lyon, centre-back Marcelo has stated that he considers Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe to be a tougher opponent than the Barcelona captain this season.

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In case you didn't know...

Lyon and Barcelona locked horns in Tuesday's Champions League Round of 16 clash, in a game that ended in a 0-0 draw.

Ahead of the game, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas taunted Messi by claiming that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has never been inspired when playing against the French side.

Aulas also claimed that Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo is the toughest opponent his side has ever faced. Speaking to newspaper Le Figaro (via The Express UK), he said, "Cristiano Ronaldo with Manchester United in 2004."

"We led 2-0 at half-time and after he goes back to him alone, delay, it was a rocket."

"We faced boys like [David] Beckham, Messi, even though the Argentinian was never very inspired against us."

"We hope that it will last. He may have a flu, that would be nice."

The heart of the matter

It looks like the taunting is set to continue as Marcelo has expressed his belief that playing against Mbappe this season was far more challenging than going up against Messi.

Speaking to Goal, the defender said, "The players I've played against in recent times are at the very top level."

"Playing against Mbappe this season, he gave me a lot of work. Messi didn't play very well [on Tuesday], but Mbappe, for the speed, positioning, having direct confrontations with him, he was the most difficult."

"I think there is a great possibility that he will soon become the best in the world. There are some points that he needs to improve to be compared to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but he is evolving very fast."

What's next?

Barcelona are next scheduled to face Sevilla in La Liga tomorrow night.