Angel Di Maria Retires, Bids Farewell to National Team
In a heartfelt announcement on his official Instagram account, former Paris Saint Germain and Manchester United midfielder, Angel Di Maria, confirmed his retirement from the national team. The decision comes following the conclusion of the 2024 Copa America, marking an end to his international career and ruling him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Expressing the difficulty of the decision, Di Maria conveyed his emotions, stating, “With all the pain in my soul and feeling a lump in my throat, I say goodbye to the most beautiful thing that happened to me in my career, dressing it, sweating it, and feeling it with all the pride.”
Reports had circulated suggesting that Di Maria, along with other players, contemplated leaving the national team due to certain factors, which, according to some sources, included issues related to Lionel Messi. However, it appears that these concerns were eventually resolved.
Di Maria had previously hinted at international retirement after facing three consecutive final defeats, encompassing the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 Copa America. He shared the challenges he faced during that period, mentioning, “When Messi retired, I thought about doing the same. You can lose a final, but three in a row, that’s something different.”
The announcement comes as a poignant moment for the 34-year-old player, who will forever cherish the memories of his time with the national team, particularly the triumphs of winning the Copa America and the FIFA World Cup. The retirement decision adds a significant chapter to Di Maria’s illustrious football career, characterized by notable contributions to top-tier clubs and his dedication to representing Argentina on the international stage.
