Ángel Di María vs Lionel Messi
Argentina against Argentina. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Ángel Di María
Argentina · 2008–24 · LM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Argentina
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 145 · 31 goals
- Clubs
- S.L. Benfica, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, Paris Saint-Germain
The 2021 Copa América final turned on a long ball he ran onto at the Maracanã, chipping Ederson to beat Brazil and end a twenty-eight-year wait for Argentina. He scored in the 2022 World Cup final as well, and in the 2008 Olympic final and the Finalissima, then took the 2014 Champions League with Real Madrid and five Ligue 1 titles at Paris Saint-Germain. Career record: 145 caps and 31 goals for Argentina; club career at S.L. Benfica, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, Paris Saint-Germain.
Lionel Messi
Argentina · 2021–24 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 99
- Rank in Argentina
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 207 · 125 goals
- Clubs
- Newell's Old Boys, FC Barcelona, Inter Miami CF
- Honours
- 2× Ballon d'Or (2009–2010) · FIFA World Player of the Year 2009 · The Best FIFA award 2019
Lusail, 18 December 2022: he scored twice in a final that ended 3-3, then buried the first penalty of a shootout Argentina won 4-2. The trophy cabinet runs from the 2022 World Cup and a second Golden Ball through the Copa América of 2021 and 2024 to eight Ballon d'Or awards, four Champions Leagues, ten La Liga titles and 672 goals for Barcelona. Career record: 207 caps and 125 goals for Argentina; club career at Newell's Old Boys, FC Barcelona, Inter Miami CF; honours include 2× Ballon d'Or (2009–2010), FIFA World Player of the Year 2009, The Best FIFA award 2019.
The verdict
The almanac puts Lionel Messi ahead by 9 rating points, 99 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.