‘Made of Marble!’ – Lionel Messi’s Strength Leaves David de Gea Stunned as Ex-Man Utd Goalkeeper Admits Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘Not Normal’

De Gea Reflects on His Encounters With Lionel Messi and Ronaldo: ‘Made of Marble’ and ‘Not Normal’ Icons

It’s not often that seasoned professionals are left speechless by the talents of their peers. But when it comes to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, even the most battle-hardened players are left in awe. One such figure is David de Gea, the former Manchester United and Spain international goalkeeper, who recently opened up about facing the two greatest footballers of their generation.

The experienced shot-stopper, who made his senior debut with Atletico Madrid before moving to Old Trafford in 2011, has played both alongside and against the modern-day legends. And his accounts only add to the folklore surrounding Lionel Messi and Ronaldo.

‘I Hit Him Hard – He Didn’t Budge’

David de Gea Lionel Messi

Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio, De Gea vividly recalled a moment early in his career that left a lasting impression. The setting? A clash between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. The challenge? Trying to knock Lionel Messi off his game. The result? A bruised ego and a newfound respect for the Argentine maestro.

“I once gave Lionel Messi a really strong shoulder, thinking I’d send him flying three metres,” De Gea began. “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.”

With youthful bravado and the intensity of a Madrid derby coursing through him, De Gea went all in.

“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!”

That moment redefined De Gea’s perception of Lionel Messi. Despite his modest frame and unassuming appearance, Lionel Messi possesses an astonishing level of strength and balance, built through years of meticulous physical conditioning and sheer determination.

The Mental Edge: Built for Greatness

What sets Lionel Messi apart, De Gea suggests, is not just his physical sturdiness but his mental tenacity. “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.”

Indeed, Lionel Messi’s dedication to his craft is legendary. From the outside, his genius often looks effortless, but those within the game know it’s anything but. Years of discipline, routine, and sheer willpower have allowed him to perform at the highest level for nearly two decades. As De Gea puts it: “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!”

Cristiano Ronaldo: The Ultimate Machine

Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr 2024-25

Of course, no conversation about generational icons is complete without Cristiano Ronaldo. De Gea had a front-row seat to Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of perfection during the Portuguese star’s second stint at Manchester United. And once again, the admiration runs deep.

“It’s not normal,” De Gea said of his former teammate. “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.”

Ronaldo’s longevity is no accident. His career is a masterclass in preparation, from diet and sleep to strength training and mental conditioning. “You can do well for a year or two,” De Gea noted, “but not do it like that for 20 years.”

It’s true. Few players have been able to match the sheer output Ronaldo has delivered year after year, across several top European leagues and now in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.

The Legacy of Two Immortals

De Gea’s remarks are more than just anecdotes—they’re firsthand testimonials of what makes Messi and Ronaldo the global icons they are. He’s seen their greatness from both sides of the pitch and remains just as captivated now as he was in those early encounters.

Both players are still active—remarkably so given the miles on their legs. Ronaldo has committed to Al-Nassr until at least 2027, while Lionel Messi continues to dazzle in MLS with Inter Miami. Both are expected to represent their nations in the 2026 World Cup across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—a final swan song for two legends who have defined a generation.

Looking Ahead: Can Anyone Match Their Standard?

With the sun slowly setting on the careers of Lionel Messi and Ronaldo, a natural question emerges: Who, if anyone, will be able to follow in their footsteps?

While players like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham show immense promise, De Gea’s comments serve as a reminder that true greatness is not just about talent—it’s about longevity, discipline, and mental fortitude.

The bar has been set sky-high. Lionel Messi, with his ethereal balance and vision, and Ronaldo, the epitome of physical excellence and willpower, have rewritten the playbook for what it means to be a footballer.

For De Gea—and countless others around the world—their careers are not just admired, they’re revered. “Made of marble,” “not normal,” and forever etched in footballing history.