Former Argentina and Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria has declared that the iconic rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has come to an end, describing it as a unique era in football that is unlikely to be replicated.
Di Maria made the remarks while discussing the chances of both football legends winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or following the FIFA World Cup.
Messi and Ronaldo are both expected to feature at their sixth FIFA World Cup when the tournament takes place across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Argentina and Portugal are among the nations tipped as strong contenders for the title.
Should both teams advance through the knockout stages, they could meet in the quarterfinals, setting the stage for another chapter in the long running association between the two global superstars.
Although neither Messi nor Ronaldo is currently considered among the leading favourites for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, performances at the World Cup could significantly influence the race for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Between them, the two icons have won the Ballon d’Or 13 times, with Messi holding the record of eight titles. His most recent triumph came in 2023 after leading Argentina to World Cup glory.
Di Maria, who played alongside Messi for Argentina and Ronaldo during his time at Real Madrid, believes both players still possess the ability to influence the Ballon d’Or race if they produce standout performances on football’s biggest stage.
The veteran winger refused to rule out either of his former teammates, insisting that winning the World Cup or playing a decisive role in the tournament could place them firmly in contention.
Speaking in an interview with the official Ballon d’Or website, Di Maria said:
“Well… it’s normal… At the end of the day, there isn’t a Messi or a Cristiano anymore; that’s over.
“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…”
Meanwhile, the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to make history by being staged outside France for the first time. The prestigious event will take place in London on October 26, 2026.
