Argentina captain Lionel Messi hopes ahead Ángel Di María ends his worldwide profession with a purpose in Sunday’s Copa América ultimate in opposition to Colombia.
Di María, 36, introduced in November his plans to retire from internationals after representing his nation for 15 years and Messi needs him to get his title on the scoresheet as he did in opposition to Brazil to clinch the continental title in 2021 and in opposition to France as they gained the 2022 World Cup ultimate.
“Who is aware of, perhaps he’ll rating one other purpose within the ultimate like he did in all of the earlier ones he is performed in. It might be extraordinary,” Messi stated in an interview with Direct TV Sports activities on Saturday, including that the workforce nonetheless hopes he’ll reverse his resolution.
“We at all times inform him that if all the pieces goes effectively, we’ve playoff video games arising. However, ‘Fideo’ [Di María] has made up his thoughts and there is nothing that may change it.”
Di María has scored 31 targets in 144 appearances for Argentina, having performed in six Copa Américas and 4 World Cups.
He additionally struck the winner in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Nigeria to win Olympic gold on the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Talking in his pre-match information convention Saturday, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni wouldn’t assure that Di María would begin in opposition to Colombia.
“Regardless that we all know will probably be his final sport, we’ll at all times determine first what’s finest for the workforce. If he has to play it is as a result of he has to play, if we determine to not play him it is as a result of we expect in another way,” he stated.
“We hope that all the pieces goes effectively and that Ángel can retire in the absolute best method.”
Argentina made it to Sunday’s ultimate with out a dominant efficiency from Messi, who has battled a leg damage.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner zipped by means of defenders and created scoring alternatives for his teammates however he didn’t get a purpose till deflecting Enzo Fernández‘s shot previous Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau to assist seal Argentina’s 2-0 win within the semifinal.
Forward of the ultimate, the 37-year-old stated he is battled discomfort at instances all through the match however assured it will not sluggish him down on Sunday.
“Within the ultimate I will really feel higher,” he stated.
Data from Reuters and The Related Press contributed to this report.
