One is described as a divine gifted being, the other, a product of relentless pursuit.
In what may stand as one of the most definitive insider testimonies on football’s greatest rivalry, Argentine World Cup winner Ángel Di Maria has drawn the curtain on the Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate with a poetic and profound comparison: the God-given genius versus the self-made machine.
Speaking to AS from Argentina, the 36-year-old Rosario Central forward, a rare breed who played alongside both icons at the peaks of their powers, offered a nuanced, yet decisive, take on the duel that defined a generation.
When asked if Ronaldo’s legendary work ethic left an impression, Di Maria was unequivocal. “Yes. In terms of professionalism, Cris is definitely number one. His work ethic, his ability to stay at the top, and his constant drive to be the best while facing off against Leo were truly admirable.”
But then came the pivot that tilts the scale eternally for the Argentine. “But he was part of Messi’s time,” Di Maria stated, framing Ronaldo’s entire career as one played in the shadow of a force of nature. “Which made things much more difficult for him.”
Di Maria painted a stark contrast between the two archetypes. “Cris was all about hard work and trying his best to be number one, but Messi, who would drink mate in the locker room, proved he had a special talent from God to be the best.”
The imagery is powerful: Ronaldo, the relentless sculptor of his own physique and destiny, straining against the ceiling of human potential. Messi, the casual virtuoso, sipping his traditional tea, his brilliance an innate, effortless force.
Di Maria’s comments arrive as Ronaldo, nearing 41, continues to defy time, he is currently tied as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer with 16 goals in 16 games for Al-Nassr.
Yet, even this staggering longevity seems to be framed by Di Maria as part of the Portuguese star’s defining struggle, one that alludes to his work ethic, but also a continuation of his career in an era that, in the eyes of many, already has its singular protagonist.
“For a long time, the discussion about who will be considered the best has been going on,” Di Maria acknowledged. Then he delivered the final blow: “But now it’s pretty clear who is seen as the top player.”
While he left the name unspoken, this opinionyis the verdict of a teammate who witnessed both miracles: the miracle of will, and the miracle of grace. In the end, Di Maria suggests, the divine gift, sipping mate while revolutionizing the sport, has edged out the superhuman grind.
This debate will continue to divide pubs, playgrounds, and punditry boxes for 15 years may finally have its most credible closing argument from a man who shared the pitch with both legends.
