Angel Di Maria, who has had the unique opportunity to play alongside both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Has weighed in on the ongoing debate about who is the better player. The Argentine winger firmly believes that Messi holds the edge over Ronaldo.
Di Maria’s illustrious career saw him partner with Messi at Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentine national team, where they celebrated a World Cup victory together in 2022. He also shared the pitch with Ronaldo during his time at Real Madrid. Where they secured the Champions League title in 2014.
In a recent interview reflecting on his career, Di Maria reignited the age-old debate by stating that Messi’s superior Ballon d’Or tally makes him the better player. “At the end of day, best player is the one with the most Ballon d’Or awards, and Leo has eight. So for me, there’s a certain gap between him and Cristiano,” Di Maria said.
Messi’s impressive eight Ballon d’Or awards surpass Ronaldo’s five, highlighting a key difference between the two footballing icons. Both players continue to make headlines, with Messi now at Inter Miami in North-America and Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in Saudi-Arabia. Di Maria praised their global impact, noting, “They continue to make people talk about them all over the world. Their competition has helped grow football, even in regions where it was less popular. With Leo, Americans are starting to rediscover football.”
The debate over who is the greatest between Messi and Ronaldo remains one of the most passionate discussions in football. While preferences vary, there is no definitive answer. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard once favored Messi as the greatest, though he recently praised Ronaldo’s impact in Saudi Arabia, calling him “The GOAT.”
Gary Lineker, the host of Match of the Day, has consistently championed Messi as the greatest of all time, describing him as “phenomenal.” Ronaldinho, who played alongside a young Messi at Barcelona, expressed a strong preference for Messi, saying, “I would have loved to continue playing alongside him. I didn’t get enough time with him. I’d love to take to the pitch with him one more time.”
The debate also extends beyond football, with NBA star Kevin Durant declaring Ronaldo as the “GOAT.” While reality TV personality Kim Kardashian opted for a diplomatic “both” when asked to choose between the two.
In terms of trophies, Messi’s haul includes 45 senior titles, largely amassed during his time at Barcelona. Where he won 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and four Champions Leagues. Ronaldo, who has played for several clubs, has won 33 trophies, including seven league titles, five Champions Leagues. The Euro 2016 with Portugal, and the UEFA Nations League.
As the discussion continues, both Messi and Ronaldo remain influential figures in football, each with a remarkable legacy that has shaped the sport in the modern era.
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