Angel Di Maria, a key player for both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, is in a unique position to offer insights into the long-standing debate of who is the greatest football player of all time. As a teammate of both legends during his career, Di Maria has witnessed firsthand the brilliance of both Messi and Ronaldo, making his perspective highly valuable to fans and pundits alike.
Di Maria’s Choice: Messi Over Ronaldo
In a recent interview with Argentine journalist Juan Pablo Varsky, Di Maria made it clear that while both Messi and Ronaldo are incredible talents, he firmly believes that Lionel Messi is the best player in history. At 36, now representing Benfica, Di Maria’s perspective carries significant weight. Despite his admiration for both Messi and Ronaldo, he made it clear who he believes stands above the rest. “For me, they are the two best in history, but it’s obvious that the best, by far, is Leo (Messi),” Di Maria said confidently. He pointed to Messi’s unparalleled natural talent, contrasting it with Ronaldo’s work ethic. “Cristiano has always had to work hard—gym sessions, finishing drills, always striving for more,” Di Maria explained. “Leo, on the other hand, is pure quality, a gift from God.”
A Career with Two Legends
Di Maria’s career has been marked by significant success alongside both stars. With Ronaldo at Real Madrid, Di Maria won six major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League in 2014. However, it was his time with Messi that defined much of his international success, with the two sharing victories such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa America titles, and an Olympic gold medal.
