Angel Di Maria applauds Ronaldo’s one otherwordly ability, but doesn’t think he’s better than Messi

Angel Di Maria says Cristiano Ronaldo’s hard work kept him close to Lionel Messi

Speaking in a recent Ballon d’Or interview, Di Maria explained how he sees the difference between Ronaldo and Messi.

“Cristiano was pure, constant hard work, day in, day out… Always giving his all to try and match Leo, who was all natural talent, a gift from above,” Di Maria said.

He added, “The other one was all about constant hard work to match him and also, at times, try to get past him. That’s why he won so many Ballon d’Ors too.”

That is the one Ronaldo quality Di Maria clearly admires. He sees Ronaldo as the ultimate professional, someone who pushed himself every day to stay close to Messi and sometimes even move ahead in the rivalry.

But the comparison still comes back to Messi’s natural ability. Di Maria believes Messi did not need to chase the game in the same way because his talent was already there.

Angel Di Maria still believes Lionel Messi has edge despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s drive

Di Maria also reflected on how the Ballon d’Or debate between the two changed over time.

“There was a time when people debated whether the Ballon d’Or should go to whoever won the Champions League or to whoever scored more goals than the other,” Di Maria continued.

“Later on, the two were very evenly matched, each with their own strengths. But when it comes to hard work, Cristiano is something else,” he concluded.

That is where Di Maria’s verdict becomes balanced. He is not pretending Ronaldo’s case is weak, because the Portuguese star’s goals, trophies and longevity made the debate real for nearly two decades.

Still, Di Maria’s final edge goes to Messi. He sees Ronaldo as the product of unmatched discipline, while Messi’s greatness feels more instinctive and effortless.

That view also carries weight because Di Maria knows both players from inside the dressing room. He played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid and with Messi for Argentina, assisting both during huge moments in his career.