‘Made of marble!’ - Lionel Messi’s strength left David de Gea stunned as ex-Man Utd goalkeeper admits Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘not normal’

Experienced goalkeeper De Gea started out in his homeland with Atletico Madrid, allowing him to line up against Barcelona and Messi. He made it his mission to get inside the head of an Argentine superstar.

That is, however, easier said than done, with De Gea finding that out the hard way. He had decided that roughing up a diminutive figure was the way to go, but discovered that eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is tougher than he looks.

De Gea told Cronache ii spogliatoio: “I once gave Messi a really strong shoulder, thinking I'd send him flying three metres. I was playing for Atletico Madrid, I was very young. I thought I'd make him feel my presence and send him a strong signal.

“I blocked a ball in the box near him and before clearing it, I went up to him to give him a really strong shoulder. I hit him really hard with my body, shoulder, and ball. I swear, I didn't move him an inch. He was made of marble! I assure you the blow was strong, but he didn't move.

“Another example that he, like Cristiano, has always taken care of everything in his career: a life focused on performance. Messi is small, but he has an incredible physique. And you also build it with your mentality. That's why I want to see how many will be able to reach their level in a few years. But not for a season or two, mind you... for twenty years!”

De Gea worked alongside Ronaldo during the Portuguese’s brief second stint at Manchester United. He added on the Real Madrid legend, who is still going strong with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr: “It's not normal. He's 40 years old, still scoring goals and winning titles. A competitive beast. The way he looks after himself is sensational . There are one or two in history like him. You can do well for a year or two, but not do it like that for 20 years.”

Ronaldo has committed to a new two-year contract in the Middle East, taking him beyond his 42nd birthday, while Messi is yet to extend his stay at MLS outfit Inter Miami. Both global icons are expected to grace next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.