Argentina’s golden era will forever be linked with the genius of Lionel Messi but today’s Copa America final is a reminder of the key influence of winger Angel Di Maria. The 36-year-old has made clear that the clash with Colombia, when the world champions could win their third straight major title, is his last game in the famous light blue and white stripes. Whatever happens during the clash at Hard Rock Stadium, it is going to be an emotional occasion for Di Maria, who hasn’t hidden his feelings about his farewell.
“With all the pain in my soul and feeling a lump in my throat I say goodbye to the most beautiful thing that has happened to me in my career, to wear it, sweat it and feel it with all my pride,” Di María said in November when announcing his planned retirement. Like Messi, Di Maria played through all the years of frustration for Argentina that ended with their 2021 Copa America triumph in Brazil and was then obliterated by the joy of the World Cup title in Qatar a year later. Like the eight-times Ballon d’Or winner, Di Maria fought for glory in South America while enjoying a successful career in European football, particularly in Spain where he was a league title and Champions League winner with Real Madrid.
Both players hail from the football hotbed of Rosario and their success together began with the 2008 Olympic Games where Di Maria scored the winner in the gold medal game against Nigeria. That victory was expected to be the first of many for a tal.