Argentina’s Angel Di Maria celebrated a dream ending to his national team career as the Albiceleste triumphed over Colombia in a dramatic Copa America final on Sunday. The 1-0 victory after extra-time not only secured Argentina’s third consecutive major title following their 2021 Copa America and World Cup wins but also marked a poignant farewell for the 36-year-old winger. Last November, Di Maria had announced that he would retire from international duty after this tournament, making the victory all the more significant.
“I dreamt it, that’s why I said it was the last Copa America and it ended here. I dreamt that I would reach the final, I dreamt that I would win it, that I would retire like this,” Di Maria expressed with visible emotion. Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni ensured that Di Maria’s farewell was unforgettable by substituting him in the final minutes of extra-time, allowing him to receive a standing ovation from the fans. The move visibly moved the experienced winger, his eyes reflecting the emotion of the moment.
Di Maria, who was instrumental in Argentina’s success over the years, shared his gratitude: “I have so many beautiful feelings. I am eternally grateful to this generation, they gave me everything, they made me achieve what I wanted so much, and today I am leaving in this way, how better than this?” he remarked. Together with Lionel Messi, Di Maria has been part of a talented generation that clinched the Olympics in 2008 but fell short of major international titles until recently. Their triumphs in recent years—a ‘Triple Crown’ for Argentina— underscore their place among the legends of South American football, with this recent victory marking a record 16th Copa America title for Argentina.
Reflecting on the struggles and eventual triumphs, Di Maria stated, “It seems easy but it is very difficult. I know because I lived on the other side too for ten, 11 years, fighting for it. It’s not easy to reach finals and win them. And now it’s happening, it’s like that, at some point it had to happen and I would have liked to have been able to win one too with the previous bunch of lads, we deserved it too but we kept insisting, kept fighting and these guys gave me everything.
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His journey with the national team has been a testament to persistence and resilience. Di Maria was the player who secured the gold medal-winning goal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and who netted the crucial goal in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final.
This Copa America victory was seen as a crowning achievement for Lionel Scaloni’s team, cementing their status in football history. The Argentine side demonstrated extraordinary coordination, grit, and tactical superiority throughout the tournament, culminating in their triumphant win over Colombia.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as Argentine fans roared in support of their national heroes. Scaloni’s decision to substitute Di Maria in the final minutes was not just a tactical move but a gesture of homage to a player who has contributed immensely to Argentine football. The emotional wave that swept through the stadium was palpable, with supporters, teammates, and Di Maria himself visibly moved by the occasion.
Fans and aficionados had followed Di Maria’s career with keen interest, observing his evolution from a young, promising talent to a seasoned, influential figure in international football. His departure marks the end of an era and serves as an inspiration to future generations of football players.
For the Argentine team, this victory is more than just a title—it’s a validation of years of hard work and perseverance. The challenges they faced and overcame serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, where success is never guaranteed and must be relentlessly pursued.
As the final whistle blew and Argentina celebrated on the pitch, it was clear that this triumph was about more than just the game. It was a confluence of dreams realized, the resilience of a dedicated player, and the unity of a team that played with heart and determination.
In the annals of Argentine football, this Copa America win will be remembered not only for the title it brought but for the heartfelt farewell to one of its most cherished players, Angel Di Maria, whose dream farewell inspired the nation and added another glorious chapter to the storied history of Argentine football.
