Thank You Di Maria: Legendary players have a legendary career filled with iconic moments and lots of memories. Angel Di Maria comes in the same bracket as the Argentinian winger is truly one of the greatest players of all time. All great careers do reach an endpoint and this time, it is the international career of Angel Di Maria that comes to an extremely sweet end, as the 36-year draws curtain over his time with Argentina.
Angel Di Maria won his second Copa America title, as La Albiceleste defended their crown quite well. They defeated Colombia 1-0 in the final, as an extra time winner from tournament's top-scorer Lautaro Martinez was enough to seal the deal for Lionel Scaloni's men.
Angel Di Maria has scored in every major final for Argentina (the finals they eventually won) but failed to do so this time around. However, he delivered one of the most iconic performances ever by being extremely decisive for 117 minutes. The winger created 3 chances and had a 100% successful tackle rate and was eventually awarded the Player of the Match.
"We Did It For Him": Di Maria On Argentina Winning And Giving Their All For Lionel Messi
The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens was thoroughly entertained on the night of Copa America 2024 final, as an inspired Argentina overcame a defiant Colombia side to retain their Copa America title and become a record 16-time champions of South America.
However, Argentina suffered a great shock as legendary Lionel Messi had to leave the pitch because of an ankle injury and the G.O.A.T. was left in complete tears seeing his departure from the Copa America 2024 final.
It is a known fact that the entire Argentina squad admires their captain and give their all in-order to ensure glory for their nation and for 'La Pulga'. On several occasions, many players have stated that they will lay their body on the lines for Lionel Messi and today was the day to live by their word, as their captain was wounded and had to watch the action from sidelines post-66th minute, as Nicolas Gozalez replaced the 8-time Ballon d'Or winner.
They did so, as a Lionel Messi-less Argentina managed to score the decisive goal in the extra time and create history by becoming the second nation ever to sandwich a FIFA World Cup between two continental titles (first being Spain, who did it by winning Euro 2008 and 2012, and FIFA World Cup 2010).
An exuberant and emotional Angel Di Maria could not contain his emotions in his farewell match, and revealed that the whole squad gave their all to ensure Lionel Messi does not suffer yet another final defeat.
With the victory, Argentina now have won 4 major titles in the space of 3 years and what makes this historic feat even more astonishing is that they have more trophies than the number of defeats in past 4 years (2 defeats, one against Saudi Arabia at FIFA World Cup 2022, and the other being against Uruguay at FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers back in November 2023).
"Yes, the truth is that I'm not happy because, well, he had to leave that way because of his ankle problem. But finally today, we were able to win it for HIM! give him joy, and I think it was a great night. Thank you," said Di Maria during the post-match interview, as reported by FOX Sports.