As the end comes, Lionel Messi’s fortunes are getting brighter. Within a year and a half, he won the World Cup and the Copa America. These are the last titles for “guardian angel” Angel Di Maria, who will retire from the Argentina national team after the tournament in the US.
Messi and Di Maria played together in the Argentina national team for 14 years
Two of the unforgettable images from the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia were Lionel Messi crying after leaving the field due to an ankle injury, then smiling brightly at teammate Lautaro Martinez’s goal in the second half of extra time. And when Brazilian referee Rafael Claus blew the final whistle, it was Di Maria’s turn to cry and hug his teammates and friends at Albiceleste.
Because this is his last title, his last match in the Argentina national team shirt. After these moments, he will officially retire from the national team shirt. Remember, in November 2023, Di Maria confirmed that he would say goodbye to his international career after the 2024 Copa America, regardless of the result.
Messi gives farewell gift to close friend Di Maria before Copa America 2024 final
Before the final at Hard Rock Stadium, Messi gave his close friend Di Maria an Argentina national team shirt with the words “Thank you Fideo” (Fideo is Di Maria’s nickname). Leo once admitted that he tried to convince Di Maria to postpone his decision to retire from international football, but given his close friend’s determination, he had to respect that choice.
So the match that ended just a few hours ago was the last time fans got to see the “Angel” play for Albiceleste. Unlike Messi – who was unable to play the entire final due to an ankle injury in the 66th minute – Di Maria played the entire 120 minutes.
Both are always together, sharing the good and the bad together.
Despite moments when he could not overcome the pursuit of Colombia’s fast and strong defenders, despite moments when he was helpless looking at the ball, in the end Di Maria and Argentina still won , with the only goal from “youngster” Lautaro Martinez after coming off the bench.
So, after 145 appearances for the national team, scoring 31 goals and making 31 assists, Di Maria will no longer appear in the Albiceste shirt. However, together with Messi, Di Maria had a brilliant final years of his career.
After winning the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 Finalissima (Championship Cup between European and South American champions), within just a year and a half, the “advancing duo” consecutively won the 2022 World Cup and then the 2024 Copa America in the United States.
Messi cried after injury
When Messi cried after his ankle injury and had to leave the field, many people thought of an incomplete ending for both the 37-year-old superstar and his close friend Di Maria. Before this match, Messi sincerely expressed that he was trying to enjoy every moment with the Argentina national team, with his close friends, especially those of his generation like Nicolas Otamendi and Di Maria.
Messi cried because he was clearly aware of his current physical limitations. Age and constant injuries have caused Leo’s matches to be constantly interrupted. Therefore, every time he is on the field, he cherishes every moment and tries to devote himself to the last minute. They truly have a very special meaning to Messi personally.
Both won the final title together with Argentina to have a perfect ending.
But fortunately, those tears only stopped at Messi’s momentary anxiety. Because then, he smiled brightly and enjoyed the moment Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the match. That was the 45th collective title in Messi’s illustrious career. No player in the world has achieved such outstanding results as the living legend of Argentine football.
And Copa America 2024 will likely be the last time Messi plays in this tournament.