“Top 5 player in Argentina's history” - Fans pay tribute to Angel Di Maria’s legendary international career as he officially retires
Angel Di Maria’s legendary international career has come to an end following the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia. The match ended in a 1-0 win for La Albiceleste at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday, July 14.
Di Maria, who made his international debut in 2008, has recorded 31 goals and 32 assists in 145 appearances across all competitions for his nation. He notably scored in the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup finals.
Fans took to X to hail the Argentine legend and his achievements. Here are some of their reactions:
One account posted:
"Di Maria’s last ever game for Argentina. What a career. Legendary. Retires as a top 5 player in Argentina’s history, only behind Messi, Maradona, Kempes, and maybe Passarella."
Another tweeted:
"What a moment for Di Maria. Ends his Argentina career a champion #CopaAmerica."
One fan wrote:
"Di Maria with another trophy 🏆 😌. Happy retirement to him."
Another added:
"thank you Di Maria forever Legend❤️"
"Thank you di maria for carrying Argentina all this years along with Messi," chimed in another fan.
One user wrote:
"Rest well Angel 😇"
While another wrote:
"An unsung Hero for Argentina. 💔"
Angel Di Maria won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa America, and the 2022 CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions with La Albiceleste.
Angel Di Maria on his retirement following Argentina's 2024 Copa America win
Angel Di Maria announced his decision to retire from international football after this year's Copa America back in November 2023. After playing his last match in his nation's jersey, the 36-year-old icon said (via @FabrizioRomano on X):
"It was my dream to retire from national team like this, Argentina is my love and my country. Thank you."
Ahead of La Albiceleste's 2024 Copa America final against Colombia, Di Maria shared a picture of himself with Lionel Messi on Instagram and captioned it:
"Life has given me more than I could ever ask for."
Di Maria will continue playing club football with Benfica in the Primeira Liga. He re-joined the Portuguese giants last season after his first stint with them from 2007 to 2010.