Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Angel di Maria Gives His Opinion As To Who Is the Greatest

Angel di Maria has had the unique distinction of playing alongside both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – serving as an accomplice to the two legends as they have gone on to break nearly all footballing records in the last decade.

Since 2008 the duo has had a duopoly on winning the Ballon d'Or; pretty much taking it in turns lifting the trophy, which they have both won five times each.

Ronaldo is the most recent recipient of the award, and has won it four times in the last five years after Messi dominated from 2009 to 2012.

Di Maria played alongside Ronaldo during his time with Madrid – from 2010 to 2014. The winger was a vital cog to Real’s La Decima triumph but just as he was making his mark in the Spanish capital, he was sold to Manchester United the following summer.

Messi, meanwhile has played with Di Maria at the national level with Argentina. Whilst the duo have failed to bring silverware to the country, they have certainly made a mark. With Messi and Di Maria leading the charge, the Argentines have been able to reach the finals of the last two Copa America in addition to the final of the 2014 World Cup.

And now, having played alongside the two legends, Di Maria finally has an answer to who he thinks is the greatest.

Speaking to TyC Sports, Di Maria said: 'Messi is always the best, he's the best every year. Cristiano Ronaldo's a special player, but Messi's from another planet.

'There are no words to describe Messi, he always surprises you.'

Di Maria, who currently plies his trade for Paris Saint-Germain will see his side go up against Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid in the most anticipated UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash on Wednesday.

With Neymar, Di Maria, Cavani and Mbappe in their ranks the Ligue 1 leaders will look to make a mark at the continental stage a year after letting slip a 4-0 first leg advantage to Barcelona.