On Thursday, Argentina star footballer Angel Di Maria declared that he would be saying goodbye to his international career after the 2024 Copa America in the United States. Ever since his country debut that came in 2008, Di Maria has taken part in 136 games for Argentina, plying his trades in four World Cups and scoring in the 2022 final victory over France.
Di Maria took part in his side’s 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Brazil at the Maracaná. The veteran player also played a huge role in Argentina’s victory back in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
"I can't express in words how much the ovation [against Brazil] has filled my soul," Di Mara wrote on his social media accounts.
"I enjoy every second of that affection and that of my teammates. They, my friends, without them this story would not have the same meaning. The affection of each and every one of them made me who I am today.
"Unfortunately, we can't let the events that took place in the stadium happen, nobody deserves that treatment, nor the beatings. Families and children were scared in the middle of a stadium where the only thing that should have happened was to watch and enjoy a match. Hopefully, this kind of thing won't happen again. We as players will always defend our fans.
"The Copa América will be the last time I wear the Argentina shirt, 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, wearing it, sweating in it and feeling it with all my pride.
"Thank you fans, thank you, family, thank you, friends and teammates, we continue to make history."
Di Maria came back to Portuguese champions Benfica this year and the winger has also shown his finesse for clubs like Real Madrid, PSG, Juventus, and Manchester United.