Palmeiras defender Murilo has set his sights on cancelling out the threat of Lionel Messi when his side plays Inter Miami on Monday — in part because he is “team Ronaldo”.
The centre-back has played 90 minutes in each of his team’s Group A matches so far, helping them keep clean sheets against Porto and Al Ahly.
Now comes a first-vs-second clash with the MLS outfit, and a chance to test himself against perhaps the greatest player of all time.
Not that Murilo would describe Messi in those terms. He prefers the Argentine’s great rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, as he admitted in Sunday’s pre-match press duties.
“I’m team Ronaldo,” Murillo said when asked which player he holds in greater esteem. “I think he’s a really complete player. I think even his temper is good, a positive thing. I think what sets him apart is his discipline. I really try to emulate that — his discipline, his routine. I really like him.”
Messi and Ronaldo have a long-running rivalry (Photo: Valerio Pennicino – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Asked by reporters whether he would consider reproducing Ronaldo’s trademark “siu” celebration if he scores against Inter Miami, he responded in the affirmative. “Yes,” he said. “Yes, I’ll do it.”
As for the possibility of swapping shirts with Messi at the final whistle, Murilo said he was happy to let his team-mates fight over the momento.
“I’m not going to get involved in that,” he said. “There are already a lot of people who are going to be asking for it. It’s all good. I’m just focused on marking him.”
Palmeiras face Inter Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, at 3pm ET.