Frank Christian
When it comes to determining who truly reigns supreme between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the realm of soccer, the debate rages on with intense fervor.
For more than twenty years, fans have engaged in a spirited discussion regarding the greatest player of all time, with opinions firmly divided.
As both players edge towards the twilight of their illustrious careers, Messi finding himself in the USA and Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, the question lingers.
While it is challenging to definitively declare a victor due to the limited shared teammates, former Argentine standout Angel Di Maria is one who confidently offers his perspective.
Di Maria had the privilege of partnering with Messi at both club and international level, clinching a Ligue 1 title at PSG in 2021/22 and securing three consecutive international titles with Argentina.
During his five-year stint at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2015, he also crossed paths with Ronaldo, sharing in the glory of a La Liga and UEFA Champions League triumph, leaving him resolute in his conviction of the superior player.
Di Maria underscores his belief by emphasizing, “At the end of the day, the 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,” as cited by the Daily Mirror.
In 2023, Messi reclaimed his Ballon d’Or title after leading Argentina to FIFA World Cup victory in 2022, expanding his collection to an astounding eight accolades.
On the other hand, Ronaldo, the second-most decorated player in Ballon d’Or history with five triumphs, faces a compelling argument from Di Maria as Messi gears up to continue his legacy until the 2026 World Cup.
