Angel Di Maria is all set to retire from International duties

Angel Di Maria has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, which he played for 16 years, after leading his country to become champions of the 2024 Copa America. Argentina successfully defended its title after defeating Colombia in the final with a score of 1-0 at Hard Rock Stadium, on Monday(15th July).

Lautaro Martinez came off the bench in extra time to score the only goal, meeting Giovani Lo Celso's precise through ball before firing past Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute. The win, which moved Argentina ahead of Uruguay after both teams had collected 15 Copa titles, marked Di Maria's final international appearance.

After the match, the 36-year-old midfilder said he had dreamed of retiring from the Argentina national team by winning the 2024 Copa America title and his plans looked to be working. "It's difficult to explain, it's written like that," said Di Maria. "I told the players last night at dinner that I dreamed about it. That's why I said it was my last Copa America." In the match against Colombia, the right winger was able to display an extraordinary performance.

It is noted that Di Maria leads all Argentine National Team players in terms of chances created (three), dribbles (five) and possession in the final third (two). "I dreamed that we made it to the final and we won it so I could leave this way," Di Maria added. "I will always be grateful to this generation that gave me everything, and helped me win what I wanted and today, I'm leaving this way. Nothing could be better." During his time with the Argentina national team, Di Maria has participated in four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022), reaching the final in Brazil in 2014 and finally winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

At the Copa America, the Rosario native appeared in consecutive finals (2015 and 2016), but failed to win the title after losing to Chile on both occasions. He finally lifted the continental trophy in 2021, scoring the winner against Brazil at the iconic Maracana, and then secured back-to-back titles in 2024. In addition to his achievements with the senior national team, Di Maria won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007 and claimed a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, further cementing his legacy in Argentine football history.