On Monday, July 15, Argentina’s veteran winger Angel Di Maria celebrated a perfect end to his career in the national jersey. Di Maria, who had earlier confirmed that the Copa America will be his last assignment in the national jersey, had a dream ending to his international career, lifting the Copa America title against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
As the La Albiceleste registered a 1-0 win after an extra-time goal from Lautaro Martinez, Di Maria was left in tears as he called off his decorated career. Speaking with tears in his eyes, Di Maria said, as quoted by AFP, “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.”
Watch Angel Di Maria break down in tears after lifting Copa America title in his last appearance
Moreover, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, substituted Di Maria in the final moments of the extra-time. After being moved by this moment, Di Maria said, “I have so many beautiful feeling… 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?”
Lionel Messi wins hearts after brilliant gesture towards retiring Angel Di Maria
After confirming the Copa America 2024 to be his last assignment for Argentina in November last year, the star was seen celebrating the victory moment alongside legend, Lionel Messi. In a heartwarming gesture, Messi, who collected the Copa title, called in Di Maria to walk it towards the team and celebrate this moment.
It is to be noted that the veteran calls down curtains to his international career having made 136 appearances for Argentina since his debut in 2008. He has featured in four World Cups and also scored the 2020 FIFA World Cup to help his side lift the title.