Lionel Messi posts heartfelt tribute to Di Maria following his retirement from Argentina
September 6, 2024
Before Argentina’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Chile, Lionel Messi gave a poignant farewell message to Angel Di Maria, the Argentine winger who had announced his international retirement. The tribute was held at the Estadio Mâs Monumental. Angel Di Maria announced the end of his 16-year international career with Argentina on July 15, the day after their Copa America 2024 victory.
Throughout four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022), the 36-year-old winger made a substantial impact for Argentina. He was a key member of the squad that advanced to the Brazil World Cup final in 2014 and won the tournament in Qatar in 2022. Messi congratulated Di Maria on his remarkable international career in an emotional tribute film, which concluded with a heartfelt message that caused Di Maria to cry.
“I hope you enjoy this evening a lot with your family and loved ones. We’ve said everything we needed to say…We shared so much, and who would have thought it would end this way? We’ll miss you a lot. See you soon,”
Di Maria endured the misery of coming close to winning in Copa América contests, coming in second place in 2015 and 2016 before taking home the trophy in 2021. He became one of Argentina’s most recognizable players when he scored the game-winning goal against Brazil at the Maracan£ Stadium, securing the eagerly expected continental trophy.
The whole Estadio Mas Monumental broke into a standing ovation for Di Maria during the memorial ceremony. The players celebrated by raising him into the air and forming a guard of honor for him and his family. During the event, there was a film montage that honored Di Maria’s remarkable career with Argentina and included remarks from former greats as well as Messi.