Miami: Argentina winger Angel Di Maria described Sunday's Copa America triumph over Colombia as the perfect conclusion to his career with the national team.
Securing a 1-0 victory in extra time marked a third consecutive major title for the Albiceleste, following their 2021 Copa America win and subsequent World Cup triumph the following year.
The 36-year-old had previously announced his retirement from international duty after the tournament in November, reflecting on his dream-like ending. "I dreamt it, that's why I said it would be my last Copa America, and it's ending here," he expressed. "I dreamt of reaching the final, winning it, and retiring like this."
In the final minutes of extra time, Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni substituted Di Maria, ensuring a heartfelt farewell from the team's fans, visibly moving the seasoned winger. "I have so many beautiful feelings... I am eternally grateful to this generation; they gave me everything I wanted, and today I am leaving in this way, how could it be any better?" he remarked.
Di Maria, part of the same generation as Lionel Messi, had initially triumphed at the 2008 Olympics but subsequently faced challenges in major tournaments, missing out on silverware in later stages, which had frustrated the nation.
The 'Triple Crown', alongside Argentina's record 16th Copa America title, solidified Lionel Scaloni's squad among South American football's greats. Reflecting on the journey, Di Maria acknowledged the arduous path to success. "It seems easy, but it's incredibly difficult. I know because I've experienced the other side for ten, eleven years, battling for this," he noted, drawing on his experiences.
"It's not easy to reach finals and emerge victorious. Now it's happening, it's a reality. It had to happen at some point, and I would have liked to win with the previous group as well; we deserved it, but we persisted, fought, and these guys gave me everything," he added.
Di Maria notably scored the decisive goal for the gold medal in Beijing and clinched victory with his goal in the 1-0 win over Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final. AFP
Published: 15 Jul 2024, 10:58 am IST
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