Angel Di Maria chose his top five greatest players in Argentina’s history, led by Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, but left himself off the list.
The Argentina national team has been filled with absolute legends throughout soccer history. Yet, the true measure of greatness often changes when players put on the Argentina jersey. Angel Di Maria, one of the biggest names of his generation, recently gave his take on the country’s all-time best, placing Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi at the very top.
True to his humble nature, Di Maria did not include himself among the five greatest soccer players in Argentina’s history. Speaking with La Nacion, he was clear about his choices: “For me it’s Messi, Maradona, Kempes, those are the top three. I think Passarella would be one of them. And then I believe De Paul, who has been a fundamental piece for everything this national team has accomplished.”
The inclusion of Rodrigo De Paul came as a surprise when listed alongside Messi and Maradona. But Di Maria explained just how important the Inter Miami midfielder has been for the Scaloneta. “The life he has given back to the team! As they say, he’s not only the engine on the field but also off it. Within the group, in the friendships, in that positive atmosphere. Without wearing the armband, he is a captain.”
Even without naming himself, there is little doubt Di Maria is one of Argentina’s most beloved idols. His goals in major finals — against Nigeria in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Brazil in the 2021 Copa America, Italy in the 2022 Finalissima, and France in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar — cement his legacy right alongside Maradona and Messi.
De Paul responds to Di Maria’s praise
De Paul’s spot on the list sparked plenty of debate, especially since it placed him above other legends who had a massive impact on Argentina, such as Gabriel Batistuta. Still, it speaks to the key role he has played in this World Cup-winning generation, much of which fans and followers may not fully see from the outside.
Acknowledging Di Maria’s words, De Paul shared his gratitude on Instagram: “How powerful it is that you say this, and that you have the humility to not include yourself — the man of the goals in every final.” Di Maria responded on the same platform: “Love you. Keep enjoying.”
Di Maria hopes to see Messi at the World Cup
At the same time, Di Maria used the weight of his voice to call for Messi to be part of Argentina’s squad at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“Whatever condition he’s in, Leo has to play the World Cup. It’s him, and he makes the national team keep growing while giving people belief. It’s him. It’s like when Diego was around. It’s them, and there’s no one else like them. They’re from another planet, not from here. We have to keep enjoying him, and hopefully Leo arrives in the best possible shape,” Di Maria said.
From: bolavip.com