Rosario Central’s Angel Di Maria has pinpointed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the most likely candidates for the Ballon d’Or in 2026, provided either of them lifts the World Cup trophy. The Argentine midfielder, who has shared the pitch with both legends at club and international level, expressed his belief that a strong World Cup performance could tilt the prestigious award in their favor.
Speaking to the Ballon d’Or official website, Di Maria reflected on the unparalleled rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo. ‘For me, there won’t be a rivalry as great as that one,’ he stated. ‘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.’ Both players are gearing up for their sixth World Cup appearance, with a combined 13 Ballon d’Or titles between them from their European careers.
‘Well… It’s normal… At the end of the day, there isn’t a Messi or a Cristiano anymore; that’s over,’ Di Maria added, emphasizing the uniqueness of their era. The 2026 World Cup, set to kick off next week, could serve as a defining stage for either superstar to reclaim the spotlight and add another individual accolade to their illustrious resumes.