Iker Casillas boasts strong ties to Real Madrid and was once a team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo, but the legendary goalkeeper has suggested that Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi is the greatest of all time.
The World Cup winner is hardly the first to have made such a claim when it comes to the mercurial Argentine.
He would, however, have been expected to side more with those who have graced the books at the Santiago Bernabeu down the years.
Casillas noted that any successful side needs a top goalkeeper and GOAT presence – with the Blaugrana considered to have both in Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Messi.
Real icon Casillas posted on social media: “Formula for football: goalkeeper (top) & player (GOAT).
“Today Barca took the three points at Wanda Metropolitano. Atletico have played well but lacked composure in front of goal.
“Blaugrana remain top of the league. Atletico have to fight for the Champions League zone.”