Di Maria: my goals in the final cemented my place in Argentina's history

Before the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico kicks off, Di Maria was interviewed by Goal.com, where he discussed the Argentina national team. He stated that he would not return to the Argentina team but intended to travel to the US to watch the matches. He said he could not comment on his own status within the Argentina national team, but that his crucial performances in multiple finals had secured his place in the team's history.

Reporter: With only a few days left until the World Cup, the public has been curious about whether you will return to the Argentina national team for this summer's tournament. Are you considering a comeback?

Di Maria: No. To be honest, during the first few squad call-ups after I decided to retire from the national team, I did feel a strange sensation. I had already made up my mind to step away, but seeing myself left off the national team roster inevitably brought mixed emotions.

However, after that, I received only one or two related contacts, and then there was no further activity. I gradually calmed down and came to understand my choice. To this day, I still stand by my original decision, and now that it has come to this, I will not change my mind.

Reporter: Although you have confirmed that you will no longer play for your country, do you plan to go to the US to accompany the Argentina national team during this World Cup?

Di Maria: I would love to go, but the itinerary has not yet been finalized. I need to check my schedule, confirm when the league season ends and my return date, and then factor in my personal vacation plans before making a final decision. However, there is no doubt that I am very much looking forward to being there in person.

Reporter: How do you assess the prospects of this Argentina team under Scaloni as they look to defend the World Cup title?

Di Maria: I believe the new generation of players can bring fresh energy to the current experienced squad, most of whom are 28 or 29 years old and are by no means aging. The younger players are full of drive; everyone is competing for a place on the field and eager for playing time, which can greatly benefit the team. And as Scaloni has repeatedly emphasized and shown through his actions, the only indispensable player in the team is Messi.

Whether other players can play depends entirely on their form. The coach not only says this, but also puts it into practice through his selections. Just like at the last World Cup, Enzo was promoted, and after he played, Enzo firmly secured his starting position with his performances. No one can take their starting spot for granted, which maximizes the intensity of daily training and intra-team competition during training camps. Everyone respects each other, and this is the key to the Argentina national team consistently remaining at the world's top level.

Reporter: Many fans consider you one of the greatest players in the history of Argentinian football. Do you agree that you are a benchmark figure in the history of Argentinian football?

Di Maria: It’s hard for me to draw a conclusion. I’ve experienced all kinds of moments in my career, including unforgettable low points when I was heavily criticized. But I scored goals in many national team finals, and these goals define my career with the Argentina national team.

But I scored goals in many crucial finals, and those goals have defined my career trajectory with the Argentina national team. Scoring in multiple consecutive finals and personally contributing to key team goals has secured my place in the history of the Argentina national team.

Of course, this evaluation should not come from me. Many fans place me on the team's historical honor roll, and I am deeply honored by that. Players make every effort to leave their mark on football, not to be fleeting visitors. My current historical status comes from decades of dedication to football and giving my all. This honor has been earned step by step through my hard work.