Copa America 2024: Messi hopes for Di María dream farewell
Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María's Pic:X
Xtra Time Web Desk: Argentina captain Lionel Messi is wishing for a fairy-tale ending to Ángel Di María's international career as Argentina prepares to face Colombia in the Copa América final on Sunday. Di María, 36, announced his retirement from international football last November, concluding a distinguished 15-year career with Argentina.
In an interview with Direct TV Sports on Saturday, Messi expressed his desire for Di María to score in the final, reminiscing about Di María's crucial goals against Brazil in the 2021 Copa América final and against France in the 2022 World Cup final. "Who knows, maybe he'll score another goal in the final like he did in all the previous ones he's played in. It would be extraordinary," Messi said. He also noted that the team hopes Di María might reconsider his retirement decision. "We always tell him that if everything goes well, we have playoff games coming up. Nevertheless, 'Fideo' [Di María] has made up his mind and there's nothing that can change it."
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LA GRAN FINAL DE LA CONMEBOL COPA AMÉRICA USA 2024™ ???? pic.twitter.com/Iq7tqtiplb
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) July 11, 2024
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Di María's international career is marked by significant achievements, including 31 goals in 144 appearances. He has represented Argentina in six Copa Américas and four World Cups. One of his most memorable moments was scoring the winning goal in Argentina's 1-0 victory over Nigeria, securing Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, in his pre-match news conference on Saturday, remained non-committal about Di María's starting role in the final. "Even though we know it will be his last game, we will always decide first what is best for the team. If he has to play, it's because he has to play; if we decide not to play him, it's because we think differently," Scaloni stated. "We hope that everything goes well and that Ángel can retire in the best possible way."
Despite battling a leg injury, Messi has been instrumental in creating scoring opportunities throughout the tournament. He finally got on the scoresheet by deflecting Enzo Fernández's shot past Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, sealing Argentina's 2-0 win in the semifinal. The 37-year-old admitted to experiencing discomfort during the tournament but assured fans he would be ready for the final. "In the final, I'm going to feel better," he said.
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As Argentina prepares for the final against Colombia, fans and teammates alike are hoping for a triumphant send-off for one of their most cherished players, Ángel Di María.
