Angel Di Maria Weighs in on the GOAT Debate Between Messi and Ronaldo

Few players are as qualified as Angel Di Maria to comment on the ongoing debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Having played alongside both legends—four years with Ronaldo at Real Madrid and numerous matches with Messi for Argentina—Di Maria offers valuable insight.

In a recent interview with Infobae, the 36-year-old shared his thoughts on who he believes is the better player between the two, providing a detailed analysis based on numbers, achievements, and playing style.

Di Maria’s Take on Ronaldo’s GOAT Claim

Cristiano Ronaldo has never been shy about expressing his belief that he is the greatest footballer of all time. In a Spanish television interview, he confidently stated:

“I’m talking about numbers. I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me. I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong. One thing is taste—if you like [Lionel] Messi, Pelé, [Diego] Maradona, I understand that and I respect that—but saying Ronaldo isn’t complete… I’m the most complete. I haven’t seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart.”

Ronaldo went on to highlight his statistics, emphasizing his versatility in scoring:

“Who’s the best goal scorer in history? It’s about numbers. Full stop. Who’s the player in history who’s scored most goals with their head, their left foot, penalties, free kicks? I was looking the other day, and not being left-footed, I’m in the top 10 goal scorers with their left foot in history. And with my head, and with my right foot, and penalties. All of them.”

Di Maria’s Response: Messi is the Best

Di Maria, who has experienced playing with both stars at the highest level, responded to Ronaldo’s claim with a firm stance in favor of Messi. In the Infobae interview, he stated:

“Cristiano always made these kinds of remarks, he always tried to be the best, but he was unfortunately born in a generation where there was another player [Messi] who made everything he touched turn to gold.”

Di Maria backed up his opinion with hard facts, focusing on Ballon d’Or wins and international achievements:

“The reality is demonstrated in the numbers. One player won eight Ballon d’Or awards [Messi] while the other won five [Ronaldo]. Another key difference is that one has lifted the World Cup. There are many differences between the two players.”

Messi’s Playing Style: A League of His Own

Di Maria also highlighted Messi’s effortless brilliance on the pitch, describing how his style sets him apart:

“If one watches every minute of every match, [Messi] makes it look so easy, as if he were having a kickabout in his back garden.”

This statement reflects Messi’s ability to perform at an elite level for nearly two decades, with defenders knowing his moves yet still being unable to stop him.

“How long has he been doing the same thing? And everyone says, ‘but you already know what he’s going to do,’ well, go mark him and he’ll do it anyway and he’ll still be 40 years old and still do tiki-taka, tiki-taka. That’s how it is.”

Ronaldo and Messi’s Trophy Haul

Both Messi and Ronaldo are among the most decorated players in football history. Together, they have won 77 official trophies—Messi with 44 and Ronaldo with 33—across their club and international careers.

Both players have also broken multiple goal-scoring records and have exceeded the 50-goal mark in a single season multiple times.

However, Di Maria believes the decisive factor is Messi’s World Cup victory and his sustained brilliance in every match he plays.

A Career of Historic Rivalry

The football world has long been divided over the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate, with both players having passionate supporters.

While Ronaldo has been vocal in declaring himself the best, Messi has remained silent, letting his performances speak for themselves.

Angel Di Maria, with firsthand experience playing alongside both icons, leaves no doubt about his choice. His verdict is clear:

“For me, Leo [Messi] is the best in the world and the best in history, without a doubt.”

The debate may never have a definitive answer, but Di Maria’s insights add weight to the argument that Messi stands above the rest.