Marcus Rashford's controversial comment about Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo resurfaces after Barcelona move

Marcus Rashford has already weighed in on the debate about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he prepares to complete his move to Barcelona.

The 27-year-old, who is a boyhood Manchester United fan, watched Ronaldo as a child before they were teammates during Ronaldo's ill-fated second stint at Old Trafford.

But Rashford only faced Messi twice, in both legs of the 2019 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, which United were comfortably beaten 4-0 on aggregate.

Now, with Rashford set to officially join Barcelona on a season-long loan this week, he will have the chance to cement his own legacy in Spain.

Despite his connection to Ronaldo, Rashford revealed in an interview to CNN Sports back in 2018 that he believes Messi is the greatest player of all time - with his controversial viewpoint likely to anger some United fans.

"Some of the stuff that he [Messi] does is unbelievable," said Rashford.

Marcus Rashford playing Lionel Messi (Image: Eric Alonso/MB Media / Contributor via Getty)

"I'm a big fan of Ronaldo as well, but I think Messi is the greatest ever."

When will Marcus Rashford join his new teammates?

Rashford has completed his medical and is expected to be formally unveiled on Wednesday, ahead of Barcelona’s pre-season tour - which begins on Thursday.

It is a dream move for Rashford, who said in June that he would love the opportunity to play alongside Lamine Yamal.

At the time, the Catalans were focused on signing Athletic Club's Nico Williams, but the Spanish international decided to stay in Bilbao.

Barcelona were also interested in Liverpool's Luis Diaz, but he was expected to cost too much for a club still struggling financially.

Instead, Rashford presented an ideal option for Barcelona, who have signed him on a season-loan loan with a buy option of £30.3m.

Although the England international is taking a wage cut, he will still be one of the best paid players in Europe.

Marcus Rashford with Cristiano Ronaldo (Image: Michael Regan / Staff via Getty)

Where does Marcus Rashford fit in at Barcelona?

After two difficult seasons in England, there is no guarantee that Rashford will start the season as a first-choice forward at Barcelona.

But he should provide healthy competition across the frontline, with the reigning Spanish champions set for another long season.

Rashford is most comfortable off the left, which is typically occupied by Raphinha, but the Brazilian is able to operate across the front three.

Yamal is still just 18 and Robert Lewandowski is nearly 37, so Hansi Flick will welcome the depth and versatility of Rashford.

And in Flick, Rashford will be working under one of the world's best coaches.

With the 2026 World Cup in America looming, this is the biggest season of Rashford's career so far.