Lionel Messi, following his unprecedented 8th Ballon d’Or, was quick to acknowledge others for his success. This feeling, however, does not seem to be mutually reciprocated. Following Didier Deschamps’s controversial take on the greatest debate, another story is now making rounds. A former World Cup winner does not think too highly of Messi’s victory. As he did throughout his career, Angel Di Maria provides the ‘perfect assist’ to his comrade with a brutal reaction to the comment.
Recently, Didier Deschamps created a stir after stating that he doesn’t know whether Messi has been better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe. While this statement might sound bemusing, a new one has emerged and it sounds far more controversial. What’s perhaps more surprising is that it comes from a former Ballon d’Or winner himself.
Di Maria makes his thoughts clear on the German icons’ comments
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Former World Cup-winning captain and Ballon d’Or winner Lothar Matthaus is a titan in the sport. He was chosen along with Xavi as one of the two midfielders in France Football’s All-time Dream XI. Matthaus had recently commented on Messi’s win by saying “It was a farce.” The German also acknowledged that Haaland was better over the last 12 months. However, Di Maria gave a witty reply on social media by commenting ‘cry somewhere else’ with a crying emoji. It’s safe to guess who Di Maria believed to be the deserving winner.
😭 "A LLORAR a otro LADO".
La reacción de DI MARÍA a las palabras de MATTHAÜS sobre el BALÓN DE ORO de Messi #ChiringuitoMessi. pic.twitter.com/lDpeNOEcbi
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) October 31, 2023
Di Maria’s absence in the 2014 World Cup final was a key element in Argentina’s defeat to Germany. Fast forward to 2022, it was Di Maria who created the opening penalty for Messi while also being the only scorer besides Lionel Messi for Argentina. While Messi may have finally won the World Cup, his shot at winning another prestigious award looks to be in the open.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Could Lionel Messi win the Super Ballon d’Or?
After becoming the only soccer player to win 8 Golden Balls, there were hopes that Messi could win the Super Ballon d’Or. The Super Ballon d’Or signifies the best player of the last 3 decades. The only recipient currently is Alfredo Di Stefano.
Only players with multiple Ballon d’Ors are eligible for this award. However, it was reported that France Football has rejected the proposal to bring back the coveted trophy. This means that Messi won’t be joining Alfredo Di Stefano in a very unique and prestigious group.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think Messi was underserving of his Ballon d’Or award like Matthaus? Or would you take Angel Di Maria’s side in the argument? Let us know in the comments below.
WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT