'He was born in the wrong generation...' - Angel Di Maria asserts Cristiano Ronaldo lost to the chosen one

Last month, Cristiano Ronaldo made an interesting assertion, stating that he considers himself the most complete player in football history. While he acknowledged the admiration that fans have for legends like Lionel Messi, Pelé, and Diego Maradona, he pointed to his machine-like statistics as evidence to support his viewpoint.

At 39 years old, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has achieved many milestones throughout his career, including becoming the highest goal scorer in men's football history with an incredible total of 923 goals.

"I'm talking about numbers, I believe I'm the most complete player ever. In my opinion, it's me. I excel in every aspect: heading, free kicks, left foot, right foot. I'm fast, I'm strong," Ronaldo said.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ronaldo has often been compared to Messi as both athletes have competed for the prestigious title of the world's best footballer. While discussions about football's greatest of all time continue, Ronaldo expressed a strong belief in his diverse skill set and capabilities on the field. At 39, he shows no signs of slowing down, with retirement not currently in his plans.

Angel Di Maria picks his GOAT

Benfica winger Angel Di Maria has had the opportunity to share the pitch with two of the greatest soccer players in history: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. In his assessment of who deserves the title of the greatest, Di Maria doesn’t hold back.

Throughout his career, Di Maria has been closely linked with both legends. He played four seasons at Real Madrid alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, during which they clinched a Champions League title together.

For the national side Di Maria has been a crucial teammate of Messi for Argentina since 2008. Together, they have secured two Copa America titles and won a FIFA World Cup.

“It doesn’t surprise me. I played with him at Real Madrid for 4 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," Di Maria said.

“The final reality is there in the numbers, one has 8 Ballon d’Ors, the other 5, it’s quite a difference. Then there is Messi who won the World Cup which makes a huge difference, and another 2 Copa América’s as well. For me there is no doubt, Lionel Messi is the best footballer in history,” he added.