Argentina winger Angel Di Maria described Sunday’s Copa America triumph over Colombia as the perfect culmination of his career with the national team, receiving a standing ovation from fans in his final match.
Securing a 1-0 victory after extra-time marked Argentina’s third consecutive major title following their 2021 Copa America win and subsequent World Cup triumph the following year.
Having announced his retirement from international duty in November, the 36-year-old reflected on achieving his dream of winning the Copa America as his farewell moment.
“I dreamed about it, that’s why I said this would be my last Copa America, and it ends here. I dreamt of reaching the final, winning it, and retiring like this,” Di Maria expressed.
In a poignant gesture, Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni substituted Di Maria in the final minutes of extra-time, prompting a heartfelt farewell from the team’s supporters, visibly moving the veteran player.
“I am overwhelmed with emotions… I am forever grateful to this generation; they gave me everything, they helped me achieve my dreams, and today I bid farewell in this way. What better way could there be?” he remarked.
Di Maria had been part of a generation alongside Lionel Messi that initially found success with the 2008 Olympics gold but faced frustrations in subsequent tournaments. The ‘Triple Crown’ victory, which also marked Argentina’s record 16th Copa America title, solidifies Scaloni’s team among South American football’s elite.
“Success may seem simple, but it’s incredibly tough. I know this because I spent ten, eleven years on the other side, striving for it,” reflected the Benfica winger.
“Reaching finals and winning them isn’t easy. Finally, it’s happening, it had to happen at some point. I wished we could have achieved it earlier with the previous group, we deserved it too. However, we persisted, we fought, and these players gave everything,” he added.
Di Maria notably scored the decisive goal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics final and repeated his heroics with the winning goal against Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final.
