Argentina star Angel Di Maria teases retirement from international football after 2024 Copa America

Argentina winger Angel Di Maria will retire after Copa America 2024, the player announced. The former Manchester United player played a pivotal part in Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph. He even found his name on the scoresheet in the final as La Albiceleste defeated France in a closely contested match.

3 things you need to know

• Angel Di Maria was a part of Argentina's World Cup winnings squad
• He has played for some esteemed clubs with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid
• DI Maria has been one of the most prolific goal scorers for his country 

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Angel Di Maria to hang up his boots after Copa America 2024

DI Maria announced on social media that he would hang up his boots after the next edition of the Copa America. He replaced Lionel Messi as Argentina defeated Brazil in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier at the Maracana Stadium. He posted on his Instagram handle: 

I can't express in words how much the ovation [against Brazil] has filled my soul. 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. 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 in it and feeling it with all my pride. Thank you fans, thank you, family, thank you, friends and teammates, we continue to make history.

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Argentina currently stand top in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with 15 points in their kitty. The Argentine team is once again the favourites to retain its title in the 2026 FIFA World Cup which is set to be played in USA, Mexico and Canada.