Copa America 2024: Last dance for Argentina's Angel Di Maria
As the golden age of football reaches a crucial juncture, we prepare to bid farewell to numerous legends of the game. The future of several star players, including Croatia's Luka Modric and Spain's Sergio Ramos, remains uncertain. The ongoing Euros and the upcoming Copa America tournament, starting this Friday, will also signify the start of a new era for aspiring stars.
Among those legends is Argentine icon Angel Di Maria, who will feature for Argentina, possibly for the last time in his illustrious career alongside Lionel Messi in the Copa. Meanwhile, Messi continues to shine in club competitions, so it is best to leave him out of the 'retirement' conversation for now.
The Copa America 2024 kicks off this Friday, August 21, featuring the opening match between Argentina and Canada. With the EURO Cup 2024 overlapping, fans face tough decisions in prioritizing their passion for these clashes of football titans.
The Angel Di Maria factor
The ongoing debate between Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria centres on Messi's undisputed status as the world's top player, recognized for his exceptional career with Barcelona and pivotal role with Argentina. Messi's consistent brilliance, marked by records and trophies, sets him apart as a footballing phenomenon.
However, Di Maria's influence on Argentina, notably during critical moments like the 2022 World Cup, where his goals were pivotal, highlights his ability to shine on the international stage. He has the most number of successful passes under his table, which shows that he is one of the best playmakers in the history of world football.
What makes Di Maria ‘The Angel’ of Football
He has the most assists (18) in a single UEFA Champions League season, which he achieved with Real Madrid in the 2013-14 season.
Di Maria has the most assists (6) in a single Copa America tournament, which he achieved in the 2015 edition.
He is the only Argentine player to have scored in four different Copa America tournaments (2011, 2015, 2019, and 2021).
Di Maria is the second most-capped player for the Argentina national team, behind Lionel Messi, with over 125 appearances.
BAD NEWS FOR INDIAN FANS
Attention, football fans in India, brace yourselves for disappointing news. If you're eagerly awaiting the Copa America 2024 to cheer for Argentina or Brazil, prepare for a major letdown. Shockingly, there will be no broadcast and no live streaming available anywhere in India for the tournament. Just two days before kick-off, the authorities have failed to secure any broadcasters, leaving fans in utter disbelief and frustration. The promised live streaming on FanCode has vanished into thin air, highlighting the glaring incompetence and disregard for passionate football enthusiasts in the country. It's a dismal situation that underscores the ineptitude and lack of foresight of those responsible for bringing international football to our screens.