In an interview with France Football early this June, Angel Di Maria spoke extensively about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two superstars he played alongside during significant periods of his career. The Argentine midfielder shared the pitch with Messi for the national team, where they famously won the 2022 World Cup and other major titles. Ronaldo was his teammate at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2014, giving Di Maria a unique perspective on both football legends.

Di Maria stated that Ronaldo and Messi represent two distinct paths to greatness. He described Ronaldo as the embodiment of hard work and relentless ambition. "Ronaldo is pure hard work and consistent every day", Di Maria said. "He always tries hard to reach Messi, to surpass him. That's why Ronaldo has also won many Ballons d'Or".

Cristiano Ronaldo greets Angel Di Maria before a friendly match between Al Nassr and Benfica at Algarve Stadium, Loule, Portugal on 20/7/2023. Photo: AFP

However, the former Real Madrid and PSG midfielder believes the biggest difference lies in Messi's innate talent. "For me, Messi is better than Ronaldo because he possesses natural talent. He doesn't need to constantly try to catch up or surpass anyone. Messi simply has a special gift from nature", Di Maria commented.

While favoring his Argentine national team teammate, Di Maria still considers Messi and Ronaldo the two best players of their era. He believes their rivalry created a special chapter in football history, captivating fans for over a decade. Ballon d'Or debates often centered on these two superstars. Di Maria recalled a time when the football world debated whether the award should go to a Champions League winner or the top scorer. Messi and Ronaldo then consistently took turns dominating the world's biggest individual awards.

"I have a very good relationship with both", the 38-year-old midfielder added. "I've assisted goals for both of them. That's very special. The greatest thing in my career is having played alongside two players who competed for the Ballon d'Or for nearly 20 years".

Messi (left) and Ronaldo during a friendly match between PSG and the Riyadh All-Stars team at King Fahd Stadium, Riyadh, Arab Saudi on 19/1/2023. Photo: AFP

In their 30s, Messi and Ronaldo are no longer at their peak. However, Di Maria still believes both have a chance to win another Ballon d'Or if they perform well at the 2026 World Cup. He doesn't see such a compelling rivalry in current football. "That's normal, because there's no more Messi or Ronaldo", Di Maria noted. "That era has ended. For me, there will be no rivalry as great as between these two players".

Di Maria also mentioned coach Jose Mourinho, who significantly influenced his career turning point in Europe. After moving from Benfica to Real Madrid, the Argentine midfielder faced a difficult period. Mourinho then defended him and placed his trust in him when many doubted his ability to adapt. "I became the person I am today thanks to the players I played alongside, and also thanks to Mourinho. He supported me when things weren't going well", Di Maria stated. He recounted that Mourinho was determined to bring him to Real Madrid and always believed he would succeed. This backing helped Di Maria develop strongly before he continued to shine at PSG.

When asked about the 2026 World Cup, Di Maria named France, Spain, and Portugal as notable contenders. He was particularly impressed by Portugal's two midfielders, Joao Neves and Vitinha. "These two players will make a difference", the midfielder born in 1988 predicted. "But I think there will be three or four teams capable of competing for the championship. France has a squad of proven world-class players, while Spain is in excellent form".

Hoang An (via A Bola)