Angel Di Maria has confirmed that he will retire from international football at the end of the ongoing 2024 Copa America.
Angel Di Maria is expected to make his 145th appearance for the Argentina national team when they take on Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final at 1 a.m. on Monday, July 15.
Ahead of the final, Di Maria who made his international debut for Argentina ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, told DSportsRadio that he has decided to bow out from the national team.
The 36-year-old Argentine forward said the outcome of the Copa America final will not change his decision to leave the international scene.
He said: “I’m not ready for my last game in the national team, but it’s time.
“Whatever happens in the final, I think I can leave through the front door. I gave everything. I always gave my life for this jersey.”
Angel Di Maria is only leaving international football even though he is currently out of contract at the club level. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, shared on X earlier today that his former club, Benfica are set to give him a one-season contract extension this summer.
This means that the Argentine prolific attacking midfielder, who can also play as a winger, will remain active in professional football beyond his 37th birthday in February.
Note that Angel Di Maria has scored 31 goals and provided 32 assists for Argentina in 144 appearances.
Di Maria has helped his country to win one under-20 trophy, one Olympic gold medal, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 Copa America, and the 2022 CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions. He could end his international career on a high by winning the 2024 Copa America title for the country on Sunday.