Angel Di Maria sides with Lionel Messi in GOAT debate, snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo

World football continues to debate who is the best player of all time. Amidst this eternal discussion, Cristiano Ronaldo's recent statements, where he proclaimed himself the "most complete player that has ever existed", have generated a wave of reactions. One of those who has not hesitated to respond has been Angel Di Maria, CR7's former teammate at Real Madrid and a great friend of Lionel Messi.

"It doesn't surprise me. I was with him for four years and he was always like that," Di Maria said about Ronaldo's words. The Argentine, who shared a dressing room with the Portuguese in one of Real Madrid's most successful eras, knows the latter's personality firsthand. "He always made that type of statement, he always tried to be the best," Di Maria added, making it clear that this type of affirmation is common in the former Manchester United player.

However, Di Maria did not stop there and went further in his statements. "But well, he was born at the wrong time, because another one was born who was simply touched by the magic wand," said Fideo, referring to Lionel Messi. This phrase, full of meaning, reveals the enormous admiration that Di Maria feels for his compatriot and the difficulty of comparing both players.

"Reality is shown in the numbers. One has 8 Ballon d'Ors, the other 5. That is a huge difference," said the Rosario native, making it clear that, in his opinion, the numbers speak for themselves. Di Maria did not stop there and highlighted other aspects that, according to him, differentiate Messi from Ronaldo: "Being a World Champion is another great difference, in addition to having two Copa Americas. There are many more."

The Argentine closed the topic by making his position clear: "Closing the topic, Di Maria expressed that he was not surprised by his former teammate's words: 'Cris is like that, he has always spoken like that. He has always been the same. For me, Leo is the best in the world and the best in history, without a doubt.'"

Di Maria's words highlight the historic rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo, a rivalry that has marked an era and continues to generate debate among football fans. While both players have left an indelible mark on the king of sports, each with their own characteristics and style of play, the opinion of Di Maria, who has shared a dressing room with both, adds a unique and privileged point of view to this eternal discussion.