After Argentina’s narrow 1-0 victory over Colombia in an intense final, veteran winger Angel Di Maria expressed that it was the ideal conclusion to his illustrious career with the national team. The win, coming through extra-time, marked Argentina’s third consecutive major title, following their previous Copa America victory in 2021 and their World Cup triumph the next year. Di Maria, a 36-year-old veteran, had earlier announced in November that he would retire from international duty post the tournament.
Speaking with emotion, Di Maria stated, “The truth is, this was written, it was meant to be this way. I dreamt it, that’s why I said it was my last Copa America and it ended here. I dreamt that I would reach the final, I dreamt that I would win it, and that I would retire like this.”
In the final moments of extra-time, Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni substituted Di Maria, allowing the star a heartfelt farewell from the fans, visibly moving the winger to tears. Reflecting on the moment, Di Maria said, “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?”
Di Maria has been a significant figure in a generation of Argentine football, featuring alongside Lionel Messi. This talented cohort won the Olympics in 2008 but then faced numerous setbacks, falling short in the final stages of various tournaments, much to the nation’s frustration.
However, the latest victory, which crowns Argentina with a record 16th Copa, solidifies Lionel Scaloni’s squad’s position among the greats of South American football. Di Maria acknowledged the arduous journey, remarking, “It seems easy but it is very difficult. I know because I lived on the other side too for 10-11 years, fighting for it. It’s not easy to reach the 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 with the previous bunch of lads too. We deserved it too but we kept insisting, kept fighting and these guys gave me everything.”
Di Maria’s contributions have been pivotal for Argentina.
. He not only scored the winning goal for the gold medal in Beijing but also netted the decisive goal in the 1-0 victory over Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final. As he looks back on his career, Di Maria’s achievements with the national team are numerous and commendable.
The victory procession at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami saw Argentine players celebrating their well-deserved Copa America triumph. The night was not just a celebration of their latest win but also a tribute to a player who has etched his name in Argentina’s football history.
Di Maria’s journey with the national team has been an emotional rollercoaster, punctuated by moments of despair and jubilation. His generation with Lionel Messi saw immense talent and promise but also faced heartbreaks in crucial tournaments. They were the runners-up multiple times, a point of anguish for the players and fans alike. Yet, the recent string of victories — beginning with the Copa America win in 2021, followed by their World Cup triumph, and now this Copa — has brought a sense of closure and fulfillment.
The final against Colombia was a testament to Argentina’s resolve and skill. It was a hard-fought match that required extra-time to decide the winner. The sole goal that clinched the title was a moment of brilliance that epitomized Di Maria’s career – spectacular and timely.
For Di Maria, leaving the international stage on such a high note feels preordained. As he said, it felt written in the stars. The winger has expressed his deep gratitude for the support of his teammates, the coaching staff, and the fans who have been with him throughout his journey.
As the curtains fall on Di Maria’s international career, Argentina looks forward to building on this era of success. Coach Lionel Scaloni, who has masterfully guided the team through these triumphs, will now turn his attention to nurturing the upcoming generation of talent, fostering a legacy that Di Maria and his contemporaries have set into motion.
Di Maria’s farewell is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of sports careers. It underscores the joy of victories and the inevitable transition to new heroes. For now, Argentina basks in the glory of their victories, celebrating a monumental chapter in their football history and the illustrious career of one of their finest wingers.
