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Angel Di Maria may have retired from international football before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he was as emotionally invested as any Argentina fan during the Albiceleste’s run to the final.
The 2022 World Cup winner has urged both Lionel Messi and head coach Lionel Scaloni to continue with the national team, insisting Argentina’s campaign showed the squad remains in safe hands despite losing the final to Spain.
Speaking after Rosario Central’s 2-1 defeat to Belgrano in their Argentine Primera División Clausura opener, Di Maria reflected on the tournament and admitted one match stood above the rest: the semifinal victory over England.
For the 38-year-old, that result was the emotional high point of Argentina’s World Cup journey.
‘The World Cup Ended
With England’
Di Maria believes Argentina’s dramatic semifinal win delivered the country’s greatest moment of the tournament, regardless of what followed in the final.
“The win over England was a great joy for all of Argentina, and this was clear and made me very happy. I am grateful to everyone in the Tango squad forever,” he told TyC Sports.
The former winger, who scored in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final triumph over France, said watching the tournament from afar was anything but easy.
“I suffered in every match, but the players found the strength within themselves and it led them to victories. Sometimes you win finals and sometimes luck is not on your side, but they raised the name of the national team high.”
He added that the team’s achievements deserved far more than applause.
“What they achieved and the win over England was the crowning of their careers. For me the World Cup ended here, for they gave the country an indescribable joy.”
Messi, Scaloni Backed To Stay
Di Maria also threw his support behind Messi continuing his international career for as long as he wants.
“I think he has many years of playing and success ahead of him. At the age of thirty-nine he has proven he is still one of the best players in history, and there are no limits to his abilities.”
The Argentine legend reserved similar praise for Scaloni, who has overseen one of the country’s most successful eras.
“He will know what he wants, but I hope he stays,” Di Maria said. “There is a good generation of young players seeking glory, and I hope he continues for everyone’s benefit.”
