Di Maria says goodbye to Argentina

Angel Di Maria, the seasoned Argentine winger, has announced his impending retirement from international football following the 2024 Copa America. This revelation was made public via a tweet from the reputable sports journalist Fabrizio Romano on a Tuesday. Di Maria's message is clear and resolute, stating, "I will leave the Argentina national team after the Copa America; it's over for me." He further shared a heartfelt moment with his teammate Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), saying, "I hugged Messi at PSG and told him: the only thing I'm grateful for is to have been able to play with you in a club, to be able to see you every day."

The connection between Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi dates back to 2008 when Di Maria, at the young age of 20, made his debut for the Argentine national team. Over the years, this partnership has blossomed into a remarkable bond on the football pitch. Now, at the age of 35, Angel Di Maria is bidding farewell to the Albiceleste, marking the end of an era in his international career.

Regarded by many as one of the most underrated wingers in the world of football, Di Maria has played a pivotal role in Argentina's recent successes on the global stage. Notably, he contributed significantly to Argentina's triumph in the 2021 Copa America. His memorable goal in the final, played at Brazil's iconic Maracanã stadium, sealed Argentina's victory. Additionally, Di Maria's impact was felt at Wembley, where he scored against Italy in the Finalissimma and in the 2022 World Cup Final against France. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments has earned him the reputation of a clutch player, and his goal celebrations are celebrated as some of the most heartwarming in the world of football.

Throughout his international career donning the sky blue and white jersey, Angel Di Maria has amassed an impressive list of accolades, including a U-20 World Cup, an Olympic gold medal, La Finalissima, the Copa America, and, of course, the World Cup. With 134 appearances and 29 goals to his name for the national team, his journey has been filled with remarkable moments. As we look ahead to the 2024 Copa America, it remains a compelling question what this final tournament with Argentina will bring for the veteran winger. Di Maria's retirement marks the end of an era in international football, leaving fans and football enthusiasts to reflect on his outstanding contributions to the sport.

‍