"One more for legacy", "I’ve seen this movie before" - Argentina fans react as veteran starts alongside Lionel Messi in 2024 Copa America final
Fans have reacted to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni naming Angel Di Maria alongside Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez in the attack for the Copa America final. The manager has opted for the same trio that began the 2022 FIFA World Cup final against France in Lusail, Qatar.
Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in the semi-finals on July 9 to reach a fifth Copa America final in eight editions and a second in succession. They are set to face a Colombia side that are on a 28-match winning streak. Colombia defeated Uruguay 1-0 in the semi-finals on July 10 in Charlotte.
Lionel Scaloni has named Angel Di Maria in the Argentine starting XI for the final. The legendary forward is set to call time on his international career after the game and will be eager to leave a lasting mark on the all-important clash.
Di Maria starts on the opposite flank to captain Lionel Messi. Fans took to X to share their thoughts on Scaloni's choice of personnel in the attack.
"Need Di Maria masterclass again, one more for legacy," a fan wrote.
"Di Maria on the left? I’ve seen this movie before," another one added.
A fan predicted Angel Di Maria to influence the game.
"Di Maria magic already❤️🥶"
Another fan predicted a farewell goal from the Benfica star.
"Di Maria to score. Put your father’s land on it."
A fan said they hoped for Di Maria magic in the game:
"Let’s gooooo… need that Di Maria final Magic one last time🙏"
Angel Di Maria has proved to be a talisman for Argentina in title clashes, scoring against Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final and against France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. The Benfica man will retire as his country's fourth most-capped player. He has 31 goals and 32 assists to his name in 144 caps.
Lionel Messi reveals Copa America injury struggles ahead of final
Argentina captain and talismanic forward Lionel Messi has spoken about his injury problems at this year's Copa America. The Inter Miami man recently spoke with DSports as he detailed his struggles.
“In the last [match] I lost my fear, I felt better and for the final I will feel better. Against Canada I felt very good, beyond the chances we created, I felt very good physically. Against Chile I suffered an adductor problem and I didn’t play comfortably," Messi said (via intermiami.news).
“It makes you play at a slower pace, it bothered me when it was time to stand up or make lateral movements. And with Ecuador I went into the game just about OK, too. I was fine with the injury, but I still had it in my head that I had something," he added.
Still making up for lost time, Lionel Messi will be keen to win his fourth successive international honor. The 37-year-old has scored once and assisted once so far in four games in the USA, and may still influence the final against James Rodriguez and his Colombia team.