“He has been decisive in the last finals” - Lionel Messi hopes Angel di Maria caps off Argentina career with Copa America 2024 win
Lionel Messi has revealed that he hopes long-time teammate Angel Di Maria signs off on his international career with a win in the Copa America final. The Argentina captain has led his country to a fifth Copa America final in the last eight editions.
The duo have come a long way as teammates, having first played together in the 2008 Olympics quarter-finals against the Netherlands. The latter scored the winner in the final against Nigeria. They have both been mainstays in the national team over the years, facing numerous ups and downs together.
Angel Di Maria announced after the 2022 FIFA World Cup win that he would end his international career after the 2024 Copa America. The experienced Benfica man doubled down on his decision to retire, and his friend and captain has hailed him.
Lionel Messi acknowledged that the former Real Madrid man will retire after the tournament, and he is pleased that his final game is a Copa America final. The Inter Miami star revealed, according to X user @AlbicelesteTalk, that he hopes he can sign off with a victory. He also acknowledged the tremendous impact of Di Maria in the most important games.
"The same thing I said, we know these are final battles. Fide (Di Maria) already said it was his last Copa America and that it was ending for him. Honestly, it's an extra joy that he can retire in a Copa America final.
"Hopefully, it can turn out well, as he has been deciding in the last finals, and he can say goodbye with one more title. But beyond that, we have to be proud of everything this group has achieved. Despite everything, we keep competing, and it’s not easy to come back and win again after where we came from, to keep trying."
Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi were both on the scoresheet in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar. The Benfica man also scored the winner in the Copa America final against Brazil three years ago and scored in the Finalissima.
Angel Di Maria reveals emotional Lionel Messi moment at Copa America
Argentina legend Angel Di Maria has revealed that national team captain Lionel Messi made him a touching promise during the Copa America. The experienced duo featured for La Albiceleste as they overcame Canada 2-0 on July 9 to reach a second successive Copa America final.
After the match, his penultimate one in an Argentina shirt, Di Maria spoke with the press about the end of his international career. He revealed his pride at a promise from Messi to ensure that the team went all the way for him in the game.
"Today before the match, Leo [Messi] said that they wanted to reach the final for me and that makes me very proud. To have the chance to achieve everything I've achieved recently with all of them is a source of pride for me."
Barring any unfortunate circumstances, Angel Di Maria will make his 145th and final international appearance for Argentina in the Copa America final. He has enjoyed a successful run with the national team and has 31 goals and 32 assists to his name.