Casemiro picks best three players of his generation

The Brazil international conducted a recent interview with Placar magazine in his homeland, and was specifically asked about Lionel Messi, the icon for his nation's fiercest rivals, Argentina, with the World Cup winner embarking on a new chapter of his career in the US, with Inter Miami.

The respect Casemiro feels for the 36-year-old, who was also a driving force for Barcelona during our no.18's time at Real Madrid, is obvious, and there were also kind words for former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and international colleague Neymar. 

"Messi left his mark," Casemiro told Placar. "You can't deny it. He was always a rival, with Barcelona and with Argentina, there was no way to escape it. But those who like football, like Messi. 

"It was a pleasure playing against him. He is a guy who does not need comment. You just have to admire him."

Casemiro is unequivocal when selecting the best three footballers from his time in the game, and also gave a nod to a couple of all-time legends who came before him.

"I had the pleasure of seeing Messi, Cristiano and Neymar, who are the three greatest of my generation," he declared.

"I saw [the Brazilian] Ronaldo, I saw Zinedine Zidane but, without a doubt, these three are the best of my time.

"I never played against Cristiano, thank God! He gave me many titles and victories."