Di María: Ronaldo Works Relentlessly to Be No.1, While Messi Sips Mate and Shows God-Given Talent

Argentine star Ángel Di María has given an exclusive interview to AS journalist David Alonso, sharing his thoughts on Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Maradona, his Real Madrid departure, and the next generation of Argentine footballers.

When asked about the eternal Messi–Ronaldo debate, Di María made his stance clear. Cristiano Ronaldo, he said, built his greatness through relentless work and determination to become the best. Messi, on the other hand, would be drinking mate in the dressing room and then step onto the pitch to prove he possesses a rare, God-given gift to be the greatest.

Former Argentina coach César Luis Menotti once compared Di María to Messi and Maradona. While grateful for the praise, Di María humbly dismissed the comparison, stating that Messi and Maradona belong to a different world. He later personally thanked Menotti, fully aware of the distance between himself and those legends.

Reflecting on Maradona’s time as Argentina’s head coach, Di María highlighted a key lesson: playing football with freedom and joy, as if in your own backyard. “The pitch is like my garden,” he explained, a mindset that helps him stay calm and enjoy the game.

Speaking about young Argentine winger Mastantuono at Real Madrid, Di María praised his exceptional talent, claiming he is even more gifted and a better dribbler than himself. Despite early criticism, he believes the youngster will grow rapidly surrounded by elite teammates.

Di María admitted that leaving Real Madrid was painful. He denied rumors about demanding Ronaldo-level wages and revealed that despite Carlo Ancelotti wanting him to stay, circumstances pushed him out following James Rodríguez’s arrival.

After a season at Manchester United, Di María moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he played alongside Kylian Mbappé. “Yes, he is the best player in the world right now,” Di María said, emphasizing Mbappé’s consistent excellence and game-changing impact.

Looking ahead to La Finalissima between Spain and Argentina, Di María expects a thrilling clash between two of the world’s best teams, hoping Argentina will emerge victorious.

Among young talents, he also highlighted Nico Paz, praising his immense potential and steady improvement. Di María is confident that Paz will eventually earn his place at a top club.

As for the future, Di María sees himself becoming a coach after retirement, possibly working alongside his close friend Leandro Paredes. Asked whether José Mourinho would be a role model, he replied simply: “I just want to be myself.”