Messi Hopes Di Maria Signs Off With Memorable Goal In Copa America Final

Lionel Messi is hopeful that Angel Di Maria will conclude his international career with another goal in the Copa America final against Colombia on Sunday. Di Maria, who announced last November that this tournament would be his last for Argentina, has been a key player for the national team, earning 144 caps.

The 36-year-old winger has played a significant role in Argentina's recent successes. He scored the decisive goal in the 2021 Copa America final against Brazil and netted in the 2022 World Cup final victory over France. Additionally, Di Maria was the lone scorer in the 2008 Olympic final against Nigeria.

Messi expressed his admiration for Di Maria's contributions and hopes he can make one more crucial impact before retiring. "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 to Direct TV Sports.

If Di Maria plays in the final, he will match Javier Zanetti's record of 145 caps for Argentina, placing him behind only Messi (186) and Javier Mascherano (147) on the all-time list. His tally of 31 goals is also notable, surpassed only by Messi (109), Gabriel Batistuta (56), Sergio Aguero (41), Hernan Crespo (45), and Diego Maradona (34).

Despite his decision to retire from international football, Messi and his teammates have tried to persuade him otherwise. "We always tell him that if everything goes well, we have World Cup qualifiers coming up. Nevertheless, 'Fideo' [Di Maria] has made up his mind and there's nothing that can change it," Messi added.

Emotional Farewell

Di Maria reflected on his impending retirement with mixed emotions. "I'm not ready for my last game with the national team, but now it's time," he said emotionally. He acknowledged that many things could happen in the final but felt confident about leaving on a high note.

"I think that whatever happens, I can leave through the big door. I've done everything to be able to leave through that door," Di Maria stated. He emphasised that while trophies are important, the relationships he has built with teammates and friends are invaluable.

#CopaAmrica SOMOS FINALISTAS, UNA VEZ MÁS!!! No te bajes ahora de la #Scaloneta que queda una última parada! pic.twitter.com/DxmdWKWNis

— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) July 10, 2024

As Di Maria prepares for what could be his final match for Argentina, fans and teammates alike will be hoping for one last memorable performance from a player who has given so much to his country’s footballing history.