Football icon Angel Di Maria has picked the more exceptional player between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by highlighting their differences.
The Argentine winger was part of the team that achieved La Decima alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and played a crucial role in helping Lionel Messi secure his first FIFA World Cup title in 2022.
Having concluded his international career, Di Maria will not be participating in the 2026 World Cup, where both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are expected to vie for the trophy this summer.
Reflecting on his experiences with these two football legends, Di Maria articulated the distinctions between them, pointing out that Ronaldo represented tireless effort and the aspiration to reach Messi’s level.
In contrast, Di Maria characterized Lionel Messi as a player blessed with inherent talent. He believes there was a time when both athletes were equally matched, primarily due to the determination and hard work displayed by Ronaldo.
In an interview on the official Ballon d’Or website, Di Maria remarked, “Cristiano was the personification of relentless effort, day in and day out… Always aiming to match Leo Messi, who had pure natural talent, a divine gift.
“The other one (Cristiano) was dedicated to unyielding work to equal him and, at times, surpass him. This is why he has garnered numerous Ballon d’Or awards as well…
“There was a period when debates emerged regarding whether the Ballon d’Or should be given to the Champions League winner or to the player who scored more goals than the other.
“Ultimately, both players were closely aligned, each demonstrating their distinct strengths. However, in terms of work ethic, Cristiano is exceptional.”
Despite recognizing the commitment of his former Real Madrid teammate, Di Maria ultimately selected Lionel Messi as the superior player of the two.
He said that it was an honor to play alongside both superstars, but preferred Messi solely because the Argentine captain did not need to exert himself to compete with anyone at the highest level.
He remarked, “In my opinion, they are the two greatest players in history during this era, wouldn’t you agree? Additionally, there is Diego… However, the distinction between the two lies in their respective achievements and what each has accomplished.
“In my view, Leo surpasses Cristiano due to his innate talent; he does not need to exert constant effort to match or equal another player.
“I enjoyed an excellent relationship with both of them, and I had the privilege of assisting each. It was a truly unique experience. The most fortunate occurrence in my career was playing alongside two individuals who have been vying for the Ballon d’Or for the past two decades.”