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| Source=Argentina Football Federation SNS Capture |
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| Source=Argentina Football Federation SNS Capture |
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| Source=Argentina Football Federation SNS Capture |
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| Source=Argentina Football Federation SNS Capture |
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Angel Di Maria (36, Benfica), who is about to retire from the national team, received a special retirement gift from the Argentine Football Federation.
Di Maria was presented with the Argentine national team uniform with the number 11 engraved at the meeting of the Argentine national soccer team ahead of the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia on the 14th (Korea time). The South American Football Federation presented a tribute video showing Di Maria playing.
On the back of the uniform, where the name is written, instead of Di Maria, 'Thank you It said, `GRACIAS FIDEO.' Fideo is the nickname of Di Maria. He made a special uniform and honored the legendary player who played for the national team from 2008 to 2024.
Di Maria came to the stage to receive her uniform and shared a hot hug with her longtime best friend Lionel Messi (Inter Miami). The final match against Colombia, which will take place in Miami on the 15th, is Di Maria's 145th A match, his retirement match, and his last match with Messi.
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| APYonhap News |
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Di Maria shed tears after the semifinal match against Canada in New Jersey on the 10th. He "I want to finish in the best way. Whatever happens in the final, I'll go out the big door. I did everything I could to get out of the door. I always tried to do my best. I gave my life for this uniform..." he said, sending a loud echo to the Argentine people.
Di Maria made her national team debut in 2008 and played 143 A matches in 16 years, scoring 31 goals. Together with Messi, they won the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Copa America in 2021, and the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
Di Maria said "Before I went into the stadium today, Leo (Messi) said he wanted to go to the final for me, so I was impressed. It is a source of my pride to have the opportunity to achieve everything I have achieved with my colleagues."
Di Maria continued "I'm not ready to play my last A-match for the national team, but it's time. My team members know I can't reverse my decision. They support my decision. There's only one game left, but the ocean I wanted. I could have gone on, but now seems to be the right time. I poured everything into it." He expressed his desire to achieve a successful ending.
Di Maria will take off her national team uniform but will play another season for Benfica.
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| EPAYonhap News |
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| EPAYonhap News |
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Meanwhile, Messi is expected to let go of another best friend through this tournament. Luis Suarez (Inter Mai Mamie), who has had a unique relationship since his time in Barcelona, was seen being rinsed by his teammates after the 3-4th-place match between Uruguay and Canada on the 14th. Suarez has scored 69 goals in 142 A matches for Uruguay since 2007. On this day, he was substituted in the second half and scored an equalizer in the theater. Uruguay went into the penalty shootout with a 2–2 tie, giving the team third place with a 4–3 penalty shootout score. It will not be long before Messi puts down Argentina No. 10.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
