Reports suggested that the winner of the 2022 World Cup might reunite with Lionel Messi to represent Argentina in the upcoming showcase event in France. Despite ongoing speculation about the Inter Miami superstar’s decision on participating in the 2024 Olympics, Di Maria has now confirmed his absence. He has committed to concluding his international career at the Copa America, which precedes the Olympics in the same summer, citing “many years of suffering in the national team.”
In an interview with TyC Sports, the Benfica star stated, “I think I’ve earned the right to say so far, whenever I decide. And I think the Copa America is the last one. I decided on the Copa America because I had many years of suffering in the national team, in the years when I had injuries and things didn’t work out for me. And since winning the Copa America [in 2021] it has been joy and happiness. To be able to enjoy 100% of being in the national team, I deserved it and that’s why I decided to continue.”
Expressing the difficulty of his decision, Di Maria acknowledged the emerging talents in the team, emphasizing the importance of taking a step back at times. Despite the satisfaction of winning the World Cup, he believes there are moments when one must allow the younger generation to lead. Di Maria, affectionately known as ‘Fideo’ (‘noodle’ in Spanish) for his slender physique, is set to retire as an Argentina legend at the 2024 Copa America. His contributions, including 29 goals and 29 assists in 136 appearances, played a pivotal role in Argentina’s recent success on the international stage.
Having scored the crucial goal in the 2021 Copa America final against Brazil and contributing both a goal and an assist in the thrilling 2022 World Cup final against France, Di Maria leaves behind a significant legacy. The spotlight now shifts to Lionel Messi, with speculation surrounding his potential participation. While Messi has expressed his desire to feature in the Copa America, the question remains whether he can manage two international tournaments in a single summer, potentially impacting Inter Miami’s campaign.
Ángel Di María
Ángel Fabián Di María Hernández
This season he played in total 16 times for 1270 minutes for Liga Portugal.
Ángel Di María scored 7 goals for Benfica. He procured 3 assists. He received 3 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 2nd in Liga Portugal. In the last match Benfica won 4-1 against Estrela Amadora.
Benfica performance and stats
Benfica is currently 2nd in the Liga Portugal with 48 points.
In the last 19 games, it has won 15 times, drawn 3 times, and lost once. In its last match, Benfica won 1-4 against Estrela Amadora.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 41 goals and conceding 12.
Benfica will play the next match in Liga Portugal against Gil Vicente on Sunday 4th of February in Lisboa. The prediction is Benfica winning the match.