Di María Settles Messi vs Ronaldo Debate, Explains Why He Rates Messi Higher
Former Argentina international Ángel Di María has weighed in on one of football's greatest debates, naming Lionel Messi as the more exceptional player ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo while praising both superstars for redefining modern football.
Di María is among the few players fortunate enough to have shared the dressing room with both legends. He played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo during his successful spell at Real Madrid and later formed a key partnership with Messi in the Argentina national football team, helping the Albiceleste win the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to the official Ballon d'Or website, the winger reflected on the contrasting qualities that made both players dominant figures for nearly two decades.
According to Di María, Ronaldo's greatness stems from extraordinary discipline, relentless hard work, and an unmatched desire to improve.
“Cristiano was the personification of relentless effort, day in and day out. Always aiming to match Leo Messi, who had pure natural talent, a divine gift,” he said.
He added that Ronaldo's determination enabled him to compete with and sometimes surpass Messi in individual awards and goal-scoring achievements.
“The other one was dedicated to unyielding work to equal him and, at times, surpass him. This is why he has garnered numerous Ballon d'Or awards as well,” Di María noted.
Despite admiring Ronaldo's work ethic, the Argentine ultimately believes Messi stands above his longtime rival because of his natural ability and effortless brilliance.
“In my view, Leo surpasses Cristiano due to his innate talent; he does not need to exert constant effort to match or equal another player,” he explained.
Di María also described himself as fortunate to have played alongside both football icons, calling the experience one of the greatest privileges of his career.
The debate between Messi and Ronaldo has dominated football discussions for nearly two decades, with both players collecting numerous trophies, records, and individual accolades while pushing each other to unprecedented levels of excellence.
Opinion: The Greatest Debate Has No Wrong Answer
What makes Di María's opinion particularly interesting is that it comes from someone who has witnessed both players up close. Unlike fans who judge from afar, he experienced firsthand what it was like to train, compete, and win alongside both superstars.
His explanation highlights one of the key differences often cited in the Messi-Ronaldo debate. Messi is frequently celebrated for his natural creativity, vision, and seemingly effortless genius, while Ronaldo is admired for transforming extraordinary talent into historic success through discipline, dedication, and relentless self-improvement.
Yet perhaps the most important takeaway from Di María's comments is that greatness can take different forms.
Football history may never produce another rivalry quite like Messi versus Ronaldo. One inspired audiences with artistry and instinct, while the other demonstrated what is possible through obsession, commitment, and an unwavering desire to be the best.
For supporters of Messi, Di María's comments will reinforce the belief that natural genius ultimately separates him from everyone else. For Ronaldo's admirers, the acknowledgment of his unmatched work ethic is itself a testament to his greatness.
Ultimately, the debate may never be conclusively settled—and that is part of what makes it special. What is beyond dispute is that both Messi and Ronaldo transformed football, shattered records, and inspired an entire generation of players and fans.
As their legendary careers enter their final chapters, football supporters can appreciate something increasingly rare in sports: the privilege of witnessing two all-time greats compete at the highest level for nearly twenty years.
