Ángel Di María, the Argentine football star, recently shared his candid thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo’s self-proclaimed status as the greatest footballer of all time. Having shared the pitch with Ronaldo for four years at Real Madrid, Di María is no stranger to the Portuguese icon’s mindset. “It doesn’t surprise me,” Di María remarked when asked about Ronaldo’s bold claim. “That’s just how he is. He’s always been like that, always making statements like that, always pushing to be the best.”
Di María’s comments reflect an understanding of Ronaldo’s relentless drive, a trait that has defined his illustrious career. Ronaldo’s work ethic, goal-scoring prowess, and unyielding ambition have earned him a place among football’s elite, with five Ballon d’Or awards and a trophy cabinet brimming with domestic and international accolades. Yet, Di María suggests that Ronaldo’s era was perhaps overshadowed by the emergence of another generational talent—Lionel Messi.
“But he was born in the wrong generation,” Di María continued, hinting at the extraordinary presence of Messi. “Another generation came along, someone who was simply touched by a magic wand.” For Di María, the comparison between the two footballing giants is not just about personal opinion but is grounded in tangible achievements. “The reality is in the numbers,” he stated. “One has eight Ballon d’Ors, the other has five. That’s a huge gap.”
Beyond individual awards, Di María pointed to Messi’s international triumphs as a defining factor. “Being a World Cup champion is another big difference, along with two Copa Américas,” he noted, referring to Messi’s 2022 World Cup victory and his Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. These accomplishments, in Di María’s view, set Messi apart in the debate over football’s greatest.
Di María’s admiration for Messi is evident when he describes the Argentine’s on-field brilliance. “You see it in the games, in every minute of every match,” he said. “One plays like he’s in his backyard. That’s just how it is.” Messi’s effortless style, vision, and ability to dominate games have long captivated fans and teammates alike, and Di María’s words capture the almost magical quality of his compatriot’s performances.
Yet, Di María doesn’t diminish Ronaldo’s greatness. “Cris is like that too,” he acknowledged. “He always talks like that. He’s always been that way.” Ronaldo’s confidence and self-belief have fueled his rise to the top, and his ability to back up his words with performances—scoring over 800 career goals and winning multiple Champions League titles—cannot be overlooked.
In this reflection, Di María offers a balanced perspective on two of football’s greatest-ever players. While Ronaldo’s ambition and achievements make him a titan of the sport, Di María suggests that Messi’s unique genius and unparalleled accolades place him a step above. For Di María, the numbers, the trophies, and the sheer artistry on the pitch tell the story of a footballer who was destined to redefine greatness.
