Di Maria Messi Ronaldo Rivalry: Angel Di Maria says the iconic rivalry is over but both could still shine at the 2026 World Cup and Ballon d’Or race

Former Real Madrid and Argentina international Ángel Di María has declared that the long-standing rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has effectively come to an end, describing the era as closed while reflecting on their prospects ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Ballon d’Or race.

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Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry comment by Di Maria comments came during an interview with the official Ballon d’Or platform, where the Argentine winger offered a reflective assessment of two of football’s most iconic careers as both players prepare for what could be their final World Cup appearances.

Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal are both expected to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking a historic sixth appearance for each player on football’s biggest stage.

While both national teams are considered strong contenders, the tournament draw could potentially pit Argentina and Portugal against each other in the quarter-finals, should they progress through their respective groups and earlier knockout rounds.

Despite ongoing debate about their individual legacy and future Ballon d’Or chances, Di María suggested that the competitive rivalry that once defined global football has now naturally concluded.

“Well… it’s normal… At the end of the day, there isn’t a Messi or a Cristiano anymore; that’s over,” Di María said.

“For me, there won’t be a rivalry as great as that one. That’s why I think that if either of them wins the World Cup or plays a starring role, they’ve got a good chance…”

Di María, who played alongside Messi in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and shared a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, noted that both players still retain the ability to influence major tournaments and award outcomes through standout performances.

Between them, Messi and Ronaldo have won the Ballon d’Or 13 times, with Messi holding the record at eight titles, his most recent coming in 2023 following Argentina’s World Cup success.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is also set to make history, with London confirmed as the host city on October 26, marking the first time the gala will be held outside France.

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As anticipation builds, Di María’s remarks add an emotional layer to discussions surrounding the final chapter of two careers widely regarded as defining eras in modern football.