Di Maria’s International retirement has been one that left many football fans uncertain after Di Maria declared his intention to retire from international football after the 2024 Copa America win.
However, Angel Di Maria announced his retirement from international football after winning the 2024 Copa America in the final against Colombia.
Angel Di Maria’s illustrious career with the Argentine National team is a story of determination and hurdles.
DI MARIA’S INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT: EARLY YEARS WITH THE NATIONAL TEAM.
Angel Di Maria’s international career began on September 6, 2008, when he made his debut for Argentina against Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier. Although, he was just 20 years old at the time.
FIRST GOAL
Di Maria scored his first goal for Argentina on October 14, 2009, in a friendly match against Germany.
The match was played at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany. Although, Di Maria came on as a substitute in the 67th minute and scored his first goal just 13 minutes later, in the 80th minute.
The goal was a stunning left-footed shot from outside the box that curled into the top corner, leaving the German goalkeeper with no chance. Argentina won the match 1-0.
FIRST ASSIST
Afterwards, Di Maria’s first assist for Argentina came on October 10, 2009, in a World Cup qualifier against Bolivia.
The match was played at the Estadio Antonio V. Liberti in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Di Maria provided the assist for Sergio Agüero’s goal in the 16th minute, which gave Argentina an early lead. Argentina won the match 2-1.
In his early years with the national team, Di Maria also played in the 2010 World Cup, where Argentina reached the quarterfinals.
He scored one goal in the tournament, against Switzerland in the round of 16.
IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES
As a result, Di Maria’s impressive performances in the 2010 World Cup and subsequent friendlies earned him a starting spot in the Argentina team.
He further became known for his pace, skill, and creativity on the wing, providing numerous assists and scoring crucial goals.
In 2011, Di Maria played a key role in Argentina’s Copa America campaign, scoring one goal and providing two assists as the team reached the quarterfinals.
The 2012-2013 season was a breakthrough year for Di Maria, both with Real Madrid and Argentina.
Furthermore, he scored 7 goals and provided 17 assists for Real Madrid, helping the team win the La Liga title.
For Argentina, Di Maria scored 3 goals and provided 5 assists in 2012, including a crucial goal against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier.
By 2013-2014, Di Maria had established himself as one of the world’s top wingers.
He scored 4 goals and provided 7 assists for Real Madrid, helping the team win the UEFA Champions League.
For Argentina, Di Maria scored 2 goals and provided 4 assists in 2013, including a crucial assist against Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier.
Afterwards, Di Maria’s exceptional form continued into the 2014 World Cup, where he played a key role in Argentina’s run to the final.
Di Maria’s performances in the 2014 World Cup were outstanding, as he scored one goal and provided two assists in the tournament.
He was named to the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team and won the Bronze Ball award as the third-best player in the tournament.
DI MARIA’S INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT: HIGHS AND LOWS WITH THE NATIONAL TEAM.
After the World Cup, Di Maria suffered a thigh injury that kept him out for several weeks. Although he returned to action in October 2014 but struggled to regain his form.
In 2015, Di Maria suffered another injury, this time to his groin, which kept him out for several months.
Afterward, he returned to action in March 2015 and slowly regained his form.
In August 2015, Di Maria joined Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of €63 million. He quickly regained his form, scoring 10 goals and providing 18 assists in his first season with the club.
For Argentina, Di Maria scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists in 2015, including a crucial goal against Colombia in a World Cup qualifier.
Di Maria played a key role in Argentina’s Copa America Centenario campaign, scoring one goal and providing two assists as the team reached the final.
However, the team lost the final against Chile on penalties. The losses were consistent as Di Maria and the national team lost the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals.
It was followed by their early exit in the 2018 WC after losing their round of 16 against France with Angel Di Maria scoring a goal and providing an assist as the team lost 4-2.
DI MARIA’S INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT: SUCCESSES WITH THE ARGENTINE TEAM.
Indeed, amid darkness, light is near. The darkness and concurrent final losses that plagued Di Maria and the Argentine National team finally came to an end.
It all started when they won the 2021 Copa America against Brazil courtesy of Angel Di Maria’s goal in the 2nd half which was enough to seal the victory and hand Di Maria his first major international trophy.
Afterward, the team faced Italy, the winners of the Euros, in a match that ended 3-0 in favor of Di Maria and the Argentine national team. Di Maria and the Argentine team added the Finallisima to their trophy cabinet.
What seemed to be a fluke was beginning to seem real as afterwards Di Maria and the Argentine National team went further to win the 2022 World Cup against France, in a match that’s poised to be one of the greatest World Cup finals.
Di Maria assisted the opener by winning a penalty and afterward scored a spectacular goal in the first half of the game.
He ended his World Cup campaign by scoring one goal and registering 2 assists.
DI MARIA’S PERSONAL AWARDS AND TROPHIES.
Angel Di Maria International retirement marks the end of an era. Throughout his illustrious career, he registered 145 appearances, 31 goals, and 32 assists via transfermrkt. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy.
“El Fideo” leaves behind a remarkable legacy. His dedication, skill, and passion inspired a generation of footballers and fans worldwide.
TROPHIES AND PERSONAL AWARDS
– 2024 Copa America.
– 2022 Fifa World Cup.
– 2022 Finallismsa.
– 2021 Copa America.
– Olympic Gold Medal (2008).
– Argentine Footballer of the Year (2014).
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Angel Di Maria’s retirement from international football is one that has left fans with mixed feelings as we all wanted to see him don the Albiceleste blue colours in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But, He decided to call it time on his illustrious career with the La Albiceleste. Going through his contributions, stats, awards and trophies, one can say Di Maria exited the international stage with his head held up high.
How would you describe Di Maria’s career as an Argentine player? Let me know in the comment section.
To cap off Angel Di Maria’s International retirement, let’s go back in time to his most stunning goals with the Argentine national team.