Statistically, Di Maria has spent more time on the pitch with Ronaldo. The duo appeared in 166 matches together for Real Madrid between 2010 and 2014, winning six titles—most notably the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League.

Based on his years with the Portuguese forward, Di Maria was clear about CR7’s greatest strength. “In terms of professionalism, Cris is the number one by far. His work ethic, his maintenance, and his constant drive to be the best while competing with Leo was highly commendable. However, he happened to play in the era of Messi, which complicated his goals significantly,” the Argentine noted in an interview with Diario AS.

While recognizing Ronaldo as the gold standard for professionalism, Di Maria explained that Messi’s differentiator is a raw, natural talent that manifests in every match.

“The thing is, with Cris, everything was based on hard work and the effort to be number one. But Messi, even while just drinking mate in the locker room, would go out and show that he has a God-given gift to be the best,” the former Benfica winger concluded

Di Maria’s journey alongside Messi

Despite playing more total matches with Ronaldo, Di Maria’s history with Messi is deeply rooted in national glory. The pair shared the pitch 142 times between the Argentine national team and PSG. Their journey began at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where they secured gold after Di Maria scored the winner in a -0 victory over Nigeria.

They remained mainstays for the senior national team from 2008 to 2024, appearing in 113 international matches together. Their partnership culminated in an era-defining trophy haul, including two Copa America titles, the 2022 Finalissima, and the historic 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

At the club level, they spent a single season together at PSG alongside stars like Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Sergio Ramos. They featured in 24 matches together, securing the Ligue 1 title before Di Maria’s transfer to Juventus.

After scoring a stunning free kick in the clásico at the Gigante de Arroyito, the Rosario Central captain once again made headlines off the field. In a declaration that fired up Canalla supporters, he revealed that Neymar would have been his dream teammate in the derby against Newell’s.

Asked which global star he would have chosen to share the clásico with, Di Maria didn’t hesitate: “Because of how close we are, Neymar. I care about him a lot. We have a great relationship and we still talk. I know how much he likes Argentine soccer and I know he would have loved to be part of a Central-Newell’s game.”

Di Maria didn’t leave the comment at that. He went a step further, hinting at the possibility of bringing Neymar to Argentina one day. “I would have loved for him to be there. Maybe in the future I could invite him. That would be very special,” he said. Even if it wasn’t Messi, the bond Di Maria built with Neymar in Paris remains unmatched.

Di Maria and Neymar’s PSG years and their friendship

Angel Di Maria and Neymar shared the field with Paris Saint-Germain from 2017 to 2022, a stretch in which their connection on and off the pitch played a crucial role for the team. With Di Maria’s tireless work on the wing and Neymar’s creativity and flair through the middle, the two formed one of PSG’s most dangerous attacking duos. Alongside Kylian Mbappe, they generated countless chances that kept the Parisian side at the top of European soccer.

Their partnership reached its peak during the 2019-2020 Champions League run, particularly in the final stages played in Lisbon. Di Maria delivered a masterclass performance in the semifinal against RB Leipzig, scoring once and assisting twice, including one for Neymar. The Brazilian returned the favor by calling him “Di Magia” on social media, a gesture that captured the respect and chemistry they shared. That year, PSG reached their first-ever Champions League final.

Beyond the field, their friendship was equally strong. Despite representing rival national teams, Di Maria, along with compatriot Leandro Paredes, often joked with Neymar about the 2021 Copa America final where Argentina defeated Brazil at the Maracana. It was a reminder that their camaraderie went well beyond competitive boundaries.

The end of their time together came in 2022, when Di Maria said goodbye to PSG at the close of the season. Neymar, in an emotional tribute, dedicated a goal to his longtime teammate during the farewell match. The moment underlined the respect and affection between them, cementing Di Maria’s legacy not only as a world-class player but also as a trusted friend. Together, they left a lasting mark on PSG’s modern era and on the bond between two South American stars who defined a generation in Paris.

“Whatever his condition is, Leo (Messi) has to play in the World Cup (2026) no matter what. It’s him, and he’s also the reason why the national team continues to grow and people have hope. It’s him. It’s like when Diego (Maradona) was around. It’s them and no one else. They’re from another planet, they’re not from here. We have to keep enjoying him and hopefully he’ll be in top form,” Angel Di Maria said, via La Nacion.

At 38 years old, Lionel Messi continues to defy expectations, maintaining his status as one of the leading scorers in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. He has tallied six goals, positioning him just behind Colombia’s Luis Diaz, who leads with seven. Already topping Argentina’s squad, Messi is poised to lead the national team in the next games against Venezuela and Ecuador, which present him with a prime opportunity to overtake Diaz and claim the top scorer spot.

Angel Di Maria’s admiration for Lionel Messi extends beyond accolades. In a recent interview with La Nacion, he shared a revealing confession that underscores Messi’s unparalleled influence on the world of soccer. “He’s an alien. I never watched MLS, and now I have a subscription to watch Inter Miami games, just because he’s there, because I want to keep watching him.”

Lionel Messi could break multiple FIFA World Cup records if he plays in the next tournament

Lionel Messi’s potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina promises not just an uplift for head coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad, but also the chance to etch his name even deeper into the history books. In case he competes, he would set the record for the most World Cup appearances, marking his presence in the tournament for the sixth time.

Moreover, Messi could make history as the oldest player to net a hat trick, surpassing the current record held by Cristiano Ronaldo, who achieved it in 2018 against Spain. On the scoring front, the Argentine star remains just four goals shy of dethroning Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history, a record established with 16 goals.

True to his humble nature, Di Maria did not include himself among the five greatest soccer players in Argentina’s history. Speaking with La Nacion, he was clear about his choices: “For me it’s Messi, Maradona, Kempes, those are the top three. I think Passarella would be one of them. And then I believe De Paul, who has been a fundamental piece for everything this national team has accomplished.”

The inclusion of Rodrigo De Paul came as a surprise when listed alongside Messi and Maradona. But Di Maria explained just how important the Inter Miami midfielder has been for the Scaloneta. “The life he has given back to the team! As they say, he’s not only the engine on the field but also off it. Within the group, in the friendships, in that positive atmosphere. Without wearing the armband, he is a captain.”

Even without naming himself, there is little doubt Di Maria is one of Argentina’s most beloved idols. His goals in major finals — against Nigeria in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Brazil in the 2021 Copa America, Italy in the 2022 Finalissima, and France in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar — cement his legacy right alongside Maradona and Messi.

De Paul responds to Di Maria’s praise

De Paul’s spot on the list sparked plenty of debate, especially since it placed him above other legends who had a massive impact on Argentina, such as Gabriel Batistuta. Still, it speaks to the key role he has played in this World Cup-winning generation, much of which fans and followers may not fully see from the outside.

Acknowledging Di Maria’s words, De Paul shared his gratitude on Instagram: “How powerful it is that you say this, and that you have the humility to not include yourself — the man of the goals in every final.” Di Maria responded on the same platform: “Love you. Keep enjoying.”

Di Maria hopes to see Messi at the World Cup

At the same time, Di Maria used the weight of his voice to call for Messi to be part of Argentina’s squad at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“Whatever condition he’s in, Leo has to play the World Cup. It’s him, and he makes the national team keep growing while giving people belief. It’s him. It’s like when Diego was around. It’s them, and there’s no one else like them. They’re from another planet, not from here. We have to keep enjoying him, and hopefully Leo arrives in the best possible shape,” Di Maria said.

“I spoke with Leo Messi,” Di Maria revealed during his introductory press conference at his new club. “He wrote to me recently, he let a bit of time pass because it was normal—with everything going on, my phone was blowing up—and he texted me the next day.”

Regarding the content of that exchange, Angel explained: “He congratulated me and wished me the best. He told me he was happy that I was able to fulfill my dream because we talked a lot, and he knew that my family’s wish was complete, so he was very happy.”

Messi and Di Maria have much in common. They were teammates with the Argentina national team for over 15 years and also played together for one season at Paris Saint-Germain. But that’s not the only connection between them: both are from the same city, Rosario, and came up through rival clubs—Newell’s Old Boys and Rosario Central.

With Di Maria’s return to Central now confirmed, he was asked about the possibility of Messi doing the same at Newell’s. “These are personal decisions. Everyone chooses what’s best for their family, and you don’t want to interfere in someone else’s life,” said the former Real Madrid star. Still, he did suggest that returning to Argentina is a goal for Messi: “If he has the chance to fulfill his dream, then welcome it. He’s a friend, and I care about him a lot.”

Messi and Di Maria playing together

The strong relationship between Messi and Di Maria has grown over the years. Their first major experience together came with Argentina’s U-23 team, when they won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. That was followed by a string of disappointments in major tournaments, which made them targets of heavy criticism for years.

Leo and Angel also played together in the 2010, 2014, and 2018 World Cups, where Argentina failed to capture the title. The same happened in the Copa America tournaments of 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2019. However, everything changed with their Copa America victory in 2021. From there, they followed a successful run with the 2021 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America.

Uncertainty surrounding Messi’s future

It’s no coincidence that speculation around Lionel Messi’s future is surfacing now. The forward is under contract with Inter Miami until December 31, and under FIFA regulations, he is free to negotiate with any club worldwide starting July 1, as he has less than six months remaining on his deal.

While Inter Miami executives have expressed optimism about reaching a contract extension, the slow pace of negotiations has raised some concerns. There have even been rumors suggesting Messi may leave Inter Miami temporarily to compete in a stronger league ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Few players have enjoyed a career as long, glittering and financially rewarding as Ángel Di María. From Rosario to Madrid, Manchester to Paris, and now Lisbon, the Argentine midfielder has built more than just a résumé, he’s built a fortune.

With a left foot that’s delivered goals, assists and trophies across the globe, he has become a symbol of consistency and class. His impact has gone beyond the pitch, translating into multimillion-dollar endorsements and lucrative contracts.

Back in Europe with Benfica, the World Cup winner continues to leave his mark late in his career. But just how much has he earned along the way? His net worth is a reflection of years at soccer’s highest level—and still counting.

What is Angel Di Maria’s net worth?

Ángel Di María has an estimated net worth of $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His financial profile includes earnings from top clubs and commercial endorsements, and the figure reflects his long, trophy-laden career.

What is Angel Di Maria’s salary?

In 2025, playing for Benfica, Angel di Di María earns an estimated $6 to $7 million per year, according to sources like Celebrity Net Worth. This figure includes his base wage and performance-related bonuses.

Though his earnings at Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United were higher—often exceeding $10 million per year—his current salary still places him among the top-paid players in Portugal.

He will play the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with Benfica, but his story doesn’t end there: once the Portuguese club’s participation in the tournament is over, he will fulfill his promise to return to Rosario Central.

This isn’t just another transfer—it’s a highly anticipated homecoming, both for El Canalla fans and for the midfielder himself, who has expressed his desire for years to end his career in his hometown.

Angel Di Maria’s career earnings

Angel Di María has amassed over $100 million in total earnings. His transfers to Real Madrid, Manchester United and PSG involved high salaries and substantial signing bonuses. At his peak, he earned upwards of $250,000 per week.

Beyond salaries, his Champions League campaigns, domestic titles and national team bonuses have significantly boosted his lifetime income. The Argentine star is one of the most talented players of his generation, alongside other greats.

Angel Di Maria’s endorsements

Ángel Di María has cultivated a strong portfolio of endorsements. His image, associated with values like humility, teamwork and passion, has been key to building lasting commercial relationships.

Since his early days at Real Madrid, he has been an ambassador for Adidas. This partnership has lasted over 15 years, featuring prominently in campaigns during major international competitions such as the FIFA World Cup and Copa América.

In 2024, Adidas launched the “Gracias adiMaría” campaign, a fan-driven initiative that paid tribute to his achievements with the Argentine national team. In addition to the popular brand, he has partnered with Budweiser.

This collaboration has included his participation in advertising campaigns, particularly around major soccer events like the Copa América and the World Cup. His image has been used to connect with global audiences.

Ronaldo holds the record for the most assists in Champions League history, with a total of 42 across his time at Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Di Maria was second in that ranking with 41, accumulated during his years with Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus. However, by leaving European soccer, he will no longer have the opportunity to tie or surpass CR7.

Right behind Cristiano and Di Maria in that ranking is another Argentine star: Lionel Messi. The forward spent the majority of his career with Barcelona and later played two seasons with PSG, which allowed him to reach an impressive 40 assists in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

Further down the list is another former Barcelona player, Neymar Jr., with 33 assists. The top ten is rounded out by Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs (31), Xavi Hernandez and Thomas Muller (30), and Karim Benzema, Andres Iniesta, and Kevin De Bruyne (29).

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League records

In addition to holding the record for most assists in UEFA Champions League history, Cristiano Ronaldo boasts several other remarkable achievements. He is also the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, with 140 goals—11 more than his closest rival, Lionel Messi.

But that’s not all. The Portuguese superstar is the player with the most appearances in the history of Europe’s top club competition (183), was the tournament’s top scorer in six different seasons, and holds the record for most goals scored in a single campaign (17, in 2013–14). He also won one UCL title with Manchester United in 2008 and four times with Real Madrid, in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Di Maria’s return to Argentina

Angel Di Maria will become the fourth member of Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning squad to return to the domestic league after their triumph in Qatar. Before him, Gonzalo Montiel, German Pezzella, and Marcos Acuña all signed with River Plate, joining Franco Armani, who was already at the club.

The winger will be playing in his home country again after 18 years. He came up through Rosario Central, making his debut at just 17 years old in 2005. He played 39 matches there, with 6 goals and 2 assists, before transferring to Benfica in the summer of 2007 for $8.3 million. After a successful run in Europe—particularly with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus—Di Maria will now finish his career where it all began.

Argentina and Brazil will clash in a highly anticipated match tomorrow (March 25) at Estadio Monumental for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The South American derby has always been intense, and this time is no different. Brazilian star Raphinha made some cheeky comments about beating La Albiceleste, and Benfica midfielder Angel Di Maria responded clearly on a comment on social media, earning more than 22K likes.

In an interview with legend Romario, the Barcelona player said: “We’re going to give Argentina a beating, no doubt.” He then added: “Am I going to score? Yes. With everything. Screw them.” Unsurprisingly, his words caused a stir, and Di María made his feelings known in an Instagram comment.

On a SportsCenter ESPN post that shared Raphinha’s interview clip, Di Maria replied with three laughing emojis. Fans showed their support for the midfielder, who retired from the national team last year, with thousands of likes.

Argentina comes into the match after a 1-0 win over Uruguay, a game they dominated despite missing key stars such as Lionel Messi, who is injured, as well as Lautaro Martinez. Thiago Almada was the goalscorer.

Meanwhile, Brazil also won their last match, defeating Colombia 2-1 with goals from Raphinha, via penalty, and Vinicius Junior, who finally found the net for the national team after going scoreless in previous World Cup Qualifying matches.

Argentina are one point away from securing their 2026 World Cup spot

Lionel Scaloni’s side arrives in top form, leading the table with 28 points — six more than Ecuador, who sit in second place. If Argentina manage to secure at least a draw, they will mathematically clinch their spot in the upcoming World Cup, to be played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

On the other hand, after early struggles in qualifying, Brazil seems ready to return to their best, thanks to a new generation of stars, including Raphinha, who has already scored five goals in the qualifiers.

However, the biggest match in South America will be played without both Messi and Neymar, who is also recovering from muscle discomfort. Still, history has proven that no matter who takes the field, the stakes are always high when Argentina faces Brazil.

In an interview with Infobae, Di María did not hesitate to share his opinion on the debate surrounding Messi and Ronaldo, and who he believes is the greatest of all time. “It doesn’t surprise me. I played with him at Real Madrid for four years. He’s always been like this, striving to be the best. But unfortunately for him, he was born in the wrong generation because there was another chosen one.”

The Argentine winger backed up his stance with cold, hard facts: “The final reality is there in the numbers. One has eight Ballon d’Ors, the other five—it’s quite a difference. Then there’s Messi, who won the World Cup, which makes a huge difference, plus two Copa Américas as well.” Di María then delivered his verdict without hesitation: “For me, there is no doubt—Lionel Messi is the best footballer in history.”

A never-ending debate: World Cup vs Champions League?

Di María’s opinion carries weight, especially coming from someone who witnessed both legends up close. But does his nationality influence his judgment, or do the numbers speak for themselves?

The debate rages on: Is a World Cup more valuable than five Champions League titles? Is winning a European Championship with Portugal a bigger feat than lifting a Copa América with Argentina? Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. But for true soccer fans, the best approach is simply to appreciate these two legends while they are still playing—because retirement is approaching fast.

Di María and Cristiano Ronaldo: A lethal partnership at Real Madrid (2010-2014)

In 2010, Di María joined Real Madrid from Benfica and quickly became a key figure in the squad. His partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the most productive of the era, with the Argentine providing assists and electrifying pace to fuel Madrid’s attack.

Together, they won multiple major titles. In LaLiga 2011-12, both were instrumental in José Mourinho’s record-breaking team, which ended Barcelona’s dominance with an unprecedented 100-point season. In the 2010-11 Copa del Rey final, Di María set up Ronaldo’s iconic header that sealed victory against Barcelona. However, his most memorable performance came in the 2013-14 UEFA Champions League final, where he was the best player on the pitch and a key factor in Madrid’s long-awaited La Décima triumph.

Despite his success in Madrid, Di María left the club in 2014, marking the end of a dynamic partnership with Ronaldo that left a lasting impact on the club’s history.

Di María and Lionel Messi: Argentina’s golden connection

While excelling at Real Madrid, Di María was also a cornerstone of the Argentina national team, where his chemistry with Lionel Messi became one of the most iconic duos in international soccer.

Their first major tournament together was the 2014 World Cup, where Di María was crucial in Argentina’s run to the final. Unfortunately, an injury ruled him out of the decisive match against Germany. Seven years later, in the 2021 Copa América final, he redeemed himself—scoring the only goal against Brazil to deliver Messi his first major international trophy.

In 2022, Di María shined in two more finals. First, in the Finalissima against Italy, he found the net in Argentina’s dominant 3-0 victory. Then, in the World Cup final, he was once again a key player—scoring in the historic win over France and helping Messi lift the coveted trophy.

Throughout his career, Di María has proven to be the perfect complement to both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, playing a pivotal role in their teams’ success and cementing his status as one of the great players of his generation.

Amidst these transfer rumors, Neymar has made waves on social media. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star joined a viral Instagram trend on romariotv_oficial, playfully ranking himself against some of the biggest names in football. With characteristic confidence, he didn’t hesitate when asked about his standing among his peers.

“Me or Suarez? Me… Me or Di Maria? Me… Neymar or Endrick? Me… Neymar or Salah? Neymar… Neymar or Messi? Leo… Me or Cristiano Ronaldo? Cristiano… Mbappe, Vinicius, Rivaldo, or Neymar? Me.”

In just 20 seconds, Neymar reaffirmed his self-belief while acknowledging the greatness of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. For many, Neymar was once considered the heir apparent to these two legends of the soccer game. However, even he admits that Messi and Ronaldo exist in a league of their own, demonstrating a level of respect for the duo that reflects the countless battles and memorable moments they’ve shared on the pitch.

Confidence vs. critique

From his electrifying days at Santos to his record-breaking transfer to PSG, Neymar has always been heralded as the next in line to Messi and Ronaldo. His technical ability, creativity, and charisma positioned him to dominate the sport for years to come. His 2015 treble-winning campaign with Barcelona, alongside Messi and Suarez, marked him as one of the world’s elite players.

But as Messi and Ronaldo defied age and extended their dominance into their mid-to-late 30s, Neymar’s career trajectory took a less linear path. Injuries, off-field distractions, and questions about his focus have often overshadowed his undeniable brilliance.

While Messi and Ronaldo built their legacies on consistent excellence and leadership, Neymar’s story has been more fragmented. Critics argue that, despite his immense talent, he hasn’t fully lived up to the lofty expectations of being their successor.

The heir that never was?

At his peak, Neymar showcased the generational talent that made him the face of Brazilian football. His performances in international tournaments, including leading Brazil to Olympic gold in 2016, have cemented his status as a national icon. However, his inability to guide PSG to Champions League triumphs, even with a star-studded cast that included Kylian Mbappe and Messi, has raised doubts about his ability to step out of their shadow.

Being compared to Messi and Ronaldo is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it highlights Neymar’s extraordinary skill set and marketability. On the other, it sets an almost unattainable benchmark. His career stats remain remarkable, but legacy conversations often hinge on leadership, consistency, and defining moments on the biggest stages—qualities that Messi and Ronaldo exemplified throughout their careers.

The next chapter: A return to Santos?

As Neymar considers a potential return to Santos, the club where he first became a global sensation, the soccer world is left wondering what this next move will mean for his legacy. A return to Brazil offers him a chance to reignite the passion and joy that defined his early career while playing in front of fans who adore him.

Santos has already expressed their excitement about the possibility of Neymar’s return, though critics remain divided on whether his recent years have lived up to expectations. In São Paulo, however, the anticipation is palpable. A move back to Santos could be the perfect stage for Neymar to recapture the magic of his youth and redefine his legacy.

Ultimately, Neymar may never fully inherit the mantle of Messi or Ronaldo, but his impact on football is undeniable. With his flair, creativity, and global appeal, he remains one of the most influential players of his generation. As his story unfolds, the final chapters may yet bring the clarity needed to cement his place in the annals of soccer history.

Di Maria made headlines this week after providing two crucial assists in Benfica’s 3-2 victory over Monaco on Matchday 5 of the Champions League initial stage. In the 84th minute, he delivered a pinpoint cross to Arthur, who headed home the equalizer. Moments later, Di Maria set up Zeki Amdouni for the winning goal, earning praise for his brilliant playmaking.

With these two assists, Angel has now accumulated 41 assists in the Champions League, matching the mark set by Lionel Messi. But what makes this achievement particularly significant is that Di Maria is now just one assist away from overtaking Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs, who both share the record for most assists in the competition with 42.

Di Maria’s path to the record

Given that both Messi and Ronaldo are now playing on different continents and Ryan Giggs has retired, Di Maria has a clear path to surpassing them. The Argentine winger’s time advantage, combined with his form, puts him in an excellent position to claim the all-time assist record in Europe’s premier club competition.

That could happen very soon, as Benfica are guaranteed at least three more Champions League matches this season. However, given their current position, it’s highly likely they will play even more games, which would give Di Maria further opportunities to claim the record.

A vital win for Benfica

Di Maria’s performance was pivotal in Benfica’s win over Monaco, as it secured vital points for the Portuguese side in the Champions League standings. The win moved Benfica up to 13th place with 9 points, comfortably inside the qualification zone for the preliminary round. The result also brought them closer to direct qualification for the knockout stage, as they are now just one point away from securing a spot in the Round of 16.

Who has more assists: Messi or Ronaldo?

Although Cristiano Ronaldo holds a slight edge over Lionel Messi in Champions League assists (42 vs. 41), Messi far surpasses his rival when considering total career assists. The Argentine superstar has accumulated 380 assists across all competitions, while CR7 trails with 267, highlighting Leo’s playmaking prowess throughout his career.