Ángel Di María’s chapter with the Argentina national team is entering a final stretch, set to close after the continental tournament hosted in the United States in 2024. The veteran winger has spent years as a fixture for the Albiceleste, enduring bouts of criticism during tough runs in big finals and tournaments. Yet his resolve has repeatedly proven stronger than the noise surrounding him, especially when the team needed leadership most.
Di María’s journey with Argentina has been a narrative of perseverance. Since his emergence under the spotlight cast by Diego Armando Maradona in 2009, he has faced relentless scrutiny during setbacks such as the 2014 World Cup final and Argentina’s struggles in the 2015 and 2016 Copa América campaigns. Injuries and timing often aligned unfavorably for him, complicating a career that demanded peak performance at critical moments. But even in the thick of pressure, the Rosario native stayed ready, declaring that his time in the national team’s colors was far from over and that he would answer when the coach called. The persistence paid off in dramatic fashion.
Di María played a pivotal role in ending Argentina’s long wait for silverware. In the 2021 Copa América held in Brazil, his goal helped break a 28-year title drought for the Albiceleste, a moment that reignited belief across the country and within the squad. Less than two years later, he delivered a defining moment in the World Cup final in Qatar, contributing to the team’s performance before leaving the pitch after the concession of a late penalty and contributing to a 2-0 lead that underscored the match’s early momentum. The impact of that run went beyond a single moment, shaping the narrative of a generation and reinforcing the trust placed in him by teammates and fans alike.
With the cresting wave of recent achievements, Di María decided to make a thoughtful and personal decision about his future. He announced that his next steps with the national team would come only after he feels the time is right, driven by his own motivations rather than external pressure. The choice reflects a conscious effort to honor a long career while ensuring any final appearances align with his best form and the squad’s needs. In this light, the plan to retire after the 2024 continental competition is framed not as a surrender, but as a dignified close to a storied chapter that began in the early days of his ascent and culminated in moments of national triumph.
Throughout this journey, Di María has carried the hopes of a nation with a blend of skill, grit, and leadership. Whether steering attacks from the wing, creating opportunities with precise touches, or delivering crucial goals at decisive moments, his presence has left an indelible mark on the Albiceleste. As the 2024 tournament in the United States approaches, the period of reflection and preparation for Argentina will be shaped by his legacy, his ongoing influence in the locker room, and the desire to bow out with the respect that such a career deserves.