Di Maria announces decision to retire from national team after 2024 Copa America

Di María featured in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over great rivals Brazil at the Maracaná when he replaced captain Lionel Messi.

Argentina winger Angel Di Maria has confirmed on Thursday that his international career will come to an end after the 2024 Copa América.

El Fideo featured in Argentina’s recent 1-0 victory over great rivals Brazil at the Maracaná - replacing captain Lionel Messi in Brazil’s first ever home defeat in World Cup qualifiers.

And it was at the Maracaná in 2021 when Di Maria made history with his country - scoring the winning goal in the Copa América final against Brazil.

Di Maria announces plans

“I can’t express in words how much the ovation [against Brazil] has filled my soul,” Di María wrote on his social media accounts. “I enjoy every second of that affection and that of my teammates. They, my friends, without them this story would not have the same meaning. The affection of each and every one of them made me who I am today.

“Unfortunately, we can’t let the events that took place in the stadium happen, nobody deserves that treatment, nor the beatings. Families and children were scared in the middle of a stadium where the only thing that should have happened was to watch and enjoy a match. Hopefully, this kind of thing won’t happen again. We as players will always defend our fans, without a doubt.

“The Copa América will be the last time I wear the Argentina shirt, with all the pain in my soul and feeling a lump in my throat I say goodbye to the most beautiful thing that happened to me in my career, wearing it, sweating it and FEELING it with all my pride.

“Thank you fans, thank you family, thank you friends and teammates, we continue to make history.”

The Benfica player, 35, has made a total of 136 appearances with La Albiceleste, scoring 29 goals.