In a poignant conclusion to his illustrious international career, Argentine winger Angel Di Maria bid farewell to the national team following their 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa América final. The triumph, secured after extra time, marks Argentina’s third consecutive major title, cementing their status as a dominant force in world football.
At 36, Di Maria’s retirement from international duty, which he had announced in November, couldn’t have been more fitting. “I dreamt it, that’s why I said it was the last Copa América 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,” Di Maria reflected, his words laden with emotion and satisfaction.
The victory adds to Argentina’s impressive collection of recent accolades, following their 2021 Copa América win and the 2022 World Cup triumph. This ‘Triple Crown’ not only showcases the team’s exceptional talent and consistency but also secures Argentina’s position as the most successful nation in Copa América history, with a record 16 titles.
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Di Maria’s journey with the national team has been one of perseverance and ultimate redemption. Part of the generation that won Olympic gold in 2008 alongside Lionel Messi, Di Maria experienced years of near-misses and disappointments in major tournaments. The recent string of successes, therefore, holds special significance for the veteran winger.
“It’s not easy to reach finals and win them,” Di Maria acknowledged, reflecting on the challenges faced by his generation. “And now it’s happening, it’s like that, at some point it had to happen and I would have liked to have been able to win one too with the previous bunch of lads, we deserved it too but we kept insisting, kept fighting and these guys gave me everything.”
Di Maria’s contributions to Argentina’s success have been crucial. He scored the winning goal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics final and repeated the feat in the 2021 Copa América final against Brazil. His retirement marks the end of an era for Argentine football, but also signifies the successful passing of the torch to a new generation of talents.
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As he left the field in the final minutes of extra time, the outpouring of emotion from both Di Maria and the fans underscored the magnitude of the moment. “I have so many beautiful feelings. 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?” he said, encapsulating the perfect ending to his international career.
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Di Maria’s retirement, coming on the heels of this significant victory, not only celebrates his personal achievements but also highlights the remarkable journey of this Argentine team. From years of frustration to becoming the dominant force in South American football, their story is one of resilience, teamwork, and ultimate triumph.
