Di Maria hails Messi as greatest after Argentina's loss to Spain
Angel Di Maria named Lionel Messi the greatest player in history after Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final held in New Jersey over the weekend. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger praised Messi's contributions to Argentine football, calling him eternal and an example both as a player and as a person. Di Maria, who played alongside Messi for several years with the Argentina national team, noted that they won the 2022 World Cup together in Qatar.
The endorsement matters because the GOAT (greatest of all time) debate remains lively among football fans worldwide, especially in Nigeria where Messi enjoys a massive following. A teammate's testimony adds weight to the discussion, influencing how fans assess Messi's legacy against legends like Pele, Diego Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Consider what criteria define greatness—titles, influence, longevity, or inspiration—and revisit Messi's performances from the 2022 triumph or his current Major League Soccer stint with Inter Miami. While no immediate action is required, the comment invites fans to join the ongoing conversation about football's greatest player.