Midfielder Angel di Maria feels proud when captain Lionel Messi announced that he wants Argentina to reach the final of Copa America 2024 to thank him.
“I am grateful to all the people who have always supported me, my family and this group that has given me everything,” Di Maria said after the 2-0 win over Canada in the Copa America semi-final at Meatlife Stadium on July 10. “Before going out, Messi gave me an inspirational speech and told me that the whole team wanted to help me reach the final. That filled me with joy. Winning all the titles with this group in this time is something to be proud of.”
At the end of 2023, Di Maria confirmed that he would retire from the Argentina national team after the 2024 Copa America. He has scored 31 goals in 143 matches, and has won every title at the national team level in the past three years, including the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup and the Intercontinental Super Cup. The 36-year-old midfielder also won the 2007 World Cup with Argentina’s U20 team and won a gold medal with the Olympic team at the 2008 Olympics.
Di Maria (left) celebrates with teammates after winning a ticket to the 2024 Copa America final.
Di Maria was persuaded by many teammates to withdraw his decision to retire, but he did not change his mind and will say goodbye to the Argentina team after the 2024 Copa America final at Hard Rock Stadium on November 14.
“Whatever happens on the 14th, I think I can walk out the door. I gave everything for this shirt,” the 36-year-old midfielder said. “I’m grateful to everyone who supported me. The older generation taught me about sacrifice and not giving up. This has given me everything I was missing. I’m not ready for the last game with the team, but the time has come.”
Match progress.
On Instagram, Di Maria also posted a message of gratitude to his teammates and prepared for the day of saying goodbye to the team. “I can’t find the words to describe everything that is happening to me right now,” he said. “But what I want to emphasize is my gratitude to this group. Each of them helped me achieve my goals, without each of them, I would never have been able to win everything I have won.”
The 36-year-old midfielder is determined to win the 2024 Copa America to have a beautiful farewell. “I have won many titles, but more importantly, the members, teammates, friends by my side are things that cannot be bought. My infinite thanks to this collective that I will always carry in my heart. Go Argentina, just one last step left,” he concluded the post.
Meanwhile, despite Di Maria’s determination to retire from international football, coach Lionel Scaloni has said Argentina will do everything they can to keep him. “You know what I think. I want Di Maria to continue playing, not to leave the team,” the 46-year-old coach said. “After the final, we will see if we can convince Di Maria. But at the moment, he is enjoying every moment.”
