Angel Di Maria is part of an exclusive club of footballers who have shared a dressing room with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

As well as the likes of Carlos Tevez and Paulo Dybala, the mercurial footballer has starred alongside Messi on international duties and plied his trade with Ronaldo during his Real Madrid days.

Consequently, Di Maria has one of the most intriguing opinions when it comes to settling the GOAT (greatest of all time debate) that constantly follows each player.

Does he prefer the slick dribbling and beautiful football of Messi or the complete athleticism and ferocious shots from range of Ronaldo?

Well, unlike some of the players to have called both Messi and Ronaldo teammates, Di Maria has brushed aside polite abstinence and has nailed his colours to the mast.

Di Maria on Messi vs Ronaldo

Di Maria told TyC Sports: "It was a dream to have the possibility to play with [Wayne] Rooney, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, Cristiano [Ronaldo], Leo [Messi]... they were players that I used on the PlayStation and I would never have imagined I'd get to play with them,” 

“I used to watch them and then to have the opportunity to play with them was really nice.

“Leo is the best of the four, Cristiano is a monster and Neymar is simply a joy for football. He's Brazilian and when he plays all he does is have fun.

Di Maria's best ever teammates

“Ibra is crazy, a total character. On the pitch he might seem like a bad guy but he is awesome, a really good guy. I got along with him very well when he was here.

“Rooney is a quiet guy. I never thought he would be as strong as he is. With all the great players I have played with, it's hard to choose. But if I had to pick one, it would be Leo.”

Say what you like about statistics or accolades, it doesn't get more conclusive than somebody's opinion after sharing a pitch and training ground with them both for years.

Sure, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and there might be some Argentine bias, but you can't deny that it's a massive tick in the Messi column.

GIVEMESPORT's Kobe Tong says

Look, I'll be the first person to admit that I'm a Messi-over-Ronaldo man and I certainly feel vindicated when somebody as qualified as Di Maria is also backing the Barcelona star.

But regardless of who you prefer, we need to gather round and celebrate both as they enter the twilight years of their career. One is 32 and the other is 34, after all.

It's rare that we ever see footballers of this calibre playing so brilliantly so deep into their thirties and we need to treasure each and every month in which their decline holds off.

So, dial down the argument a notch and remember that the GOATs Get Old After Thirties.