According to former Argentina manager Cesar Luis Menotti, winger Angel di Maria is on par with Argentina greats Diego Maradona, Mario Kempes, and Lionel Messi.
Kempes, who also won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball throughout the competition, guided Argentina to victory in the 1978 FIFA World Cup.
Eight years later, Maradona guided Argentina to World Cup victory and took home the Golden Ball for his outstanding efforts in Mexico.
On the other hand, Messi, who earned the Golden Ball throughout the campaign, inspired La Albiceleste to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
However, Menotti feels that Di Maria ought to be shown the same respect and admiration in Argentina as Messi, Maradona, and Kempes.
Menotti stated on SuperDeportivoRadio (via AlbicelesteTalk) that Di Mara is a player deserving of the same acclaim as the game’s greatest players.
“I compare him to Messi, Maradona, and Kempes. He is a player who, more than any other, has represented Argentine football everywhere,” he remarked.