Angel Di Maria on the GOAT Debate
Angel Di Maria, the 37-year-old Benfica star, has waded into the highly charged debate over who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) in football: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. Having played with both legends, Di Maria brings a unique perspective to the discussion. His insights are not just based on personal biases but on years of firsthand experience with both players.
Playing with the Legends
Di Maria spent four years alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid, witnessing firsthand the Portuguese star’s relentless drive and exceptional skill. He has also shared the pitch with Messi for 16 years, including a year at Paris Saint-Germain and a long-standing partnership on the Argentine national team. This extensive collaboration gives Di Maria a comprehensive view of both players’ abilities and achievements.
The Numbers Game
In a recent interview with Infobae, Di Maria addressed Ronaldo’s recent claims on LaSexta, where the 40-year-old insisted he is the greatest. Di Maria, however, points to the stark differences in their numerical achievements. Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, compared to Ronaldo’s five. Di Maria emphasizes that these numbers speak for themselves. He also highlights Messi’s World Cup victory and multiple Copa America titles as significant markers of his superiority.
Born at a Bad Time
Di Maria acknowledges Ronaldo’s greatness, describing him as one of the best players in the world. However, he suggests that Ronaldo was "born at a bad time," coinciding with the emergence of Messi, who was "touched by the magic wand." This poetic description underscores Di Maria’s belief that Messi’s natural talent and consistent performance have set him apart from his contemporaries.
The Playing Style
Di Maria’s observations extend beyond statistics to the players’ on-field demeanor. He notes that Messi’s gameplay is characterized by a seamless and effortless style, despite the predictability of his movements. "Everyone knows what Leo is going to do and he hits the same goal as always and keeps doing it," Di Maria explains. This consistency, even at the age of 37, is a testament to Messi’s exceptional skill and longevity.
A Personal Perspective
For Di Maria, the evidence is clear: Messi is the best player in the world and the greatest of all time. He reflects on the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo, acknowledging Ronaldo’s consistent self-proclamations of being the best. Di Maria remains diplomatic, recognizing Ronaldo’s impact but firmly standing by Messi’s superior achievements and performance.
The Rivalry Continues
The debate over who is the GOAT will likely continue to fuel passionate discussions among fans and experts alike. Di Maria’s insights add a valuable layer to the conversation, offering a balanced and informed perspective from someone who has played alongside both icons. As Di Maria continues his career at Benfica, his thoughts on this enduring rivalry provide a thoughtful and humanized view of two of football’s greatest talents.
