Gerard Pique and Angel Di Maria finally agree on football’s biggest question: who’s greater, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Their verdict tips the scales towards the Argentinian maestro, leaving little doubt in their minds.
The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has captivated fans and experts for years. On the field, the two have redefined greatness, but even those who played alongside them seem to lean one way.
Di Maria: “It’s Obvious”
Angel Di Maria knows both stars better than most. At Real Madrid, he shared the spotlight with Ronaldo, winning a Champions League title. Then, with Argentina, he played under Messi’s leadership, earning the ultimate prize: the 2022 World Cup.
Di Maria’s take? Messi stands alone. “Leo has no comparison to any other player,” he shared with Clank Media. The winger’s experience with Messi during the World Cup likely cemented his opinion. Messi became the first player ever to score in every stage of the tournament, carrying Argentina to victory and snagging the Player of the Tournament honor.
Ronaldo might have brought trophies to Madrid, but for Di Maria, Messi’s brilliance outshines everything.
Pique: “Messi’s an Alien”
Gerard Pique has his own reasons for siding with Messi. The retired defender spent a short stint with Ronaldo at Manchester United but enjoyed years of success with Messi at Barcelona. Together, they won three Champions League titles and eight La Liga crowns.
Pique, always the straight shooter, summed it up: “Cristiano is the best of humans, but Leo is an alien.” Watching Messi in training and matches left him in awe. “There will never be another player with his speed of thought and determination,” Pique added.
The Pep Factor
Pique didn’t stop at Messi’s individual talent. He pointed to the golden era of Barcelona, where Messi’s genius blended seamlessly with coach Pep Guardiola’s brilliance.
“With Pep, everything clicked,” Pique reflected. “Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Busquets—they were all homegrown talents. We had this natural connection that made everything feel effortless.”
Guardiola’s tactical acumen and motivational skills added fuel to the fire, creating a team that dominated for years.
Final Thoughts
For Di Maria and Pique, Messi isn’t just a player. He’s a phenomenon. While Ronaldo’s legacy is undeniable, Messi’s magic seems to transcend the sport itself. Perhaps the debate doesn’t need a winner—both have given football fans memories to cherish forever.
