Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria have been the cornerstones of Argentina's recent success (Image: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi made a touching promise to Angel Di Maria before his international retirement. Di Maria and Messi shone in La Albiceleste's 2-0 win over Canada in the Copa America semi-final.
Lionel Scaloni's team has a chance to win its third major international competition in four years when it faces either Colombia or Uruguay in the final on Monday. The Argentine duo, who have worn the blue and white stripes for nearly 20 years, even won an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
In tears, Di Maria claimed he would retire from international football after the final, win or lose. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger revealed Messi and his team-mates made him a heartfelt promise that left him emotional.
After the 2-0 win, Di Maria said: “I think I can come away with a great performance. I did everything I could to achieve this. This is my job. I do the job I have to do. I always try to do my best. I have always given my life for this jersey.
“There have been times when I have been unlucky. Lately, I have been really lucky. I am grateful to everyone who has always supported me, to my family and to this team who has given me everything.
“Today before the match, Leo [Messi] “They said they wanted to reach the final for me and that makes me very proud. To have the chance to achieve everything I have achieved recently with them is a source of pride for me.”
Di Maria's final match for Argentina will be in the final at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which can hold 65,326 spectators, the Mirror reports. With an impressive total of 144 international caps, 31 goals and 32 assists in 16 years, Di Maria is the fourth most capped Argentinian player of all time.
Di Maria could not hide his emotions during the interview (Image: TyC Sports)
He also revealed that his teammates tried to convince him to reconsider his decision. However, he confirmed that he would not change his mind, saying that next week would be the right time to bow out.
He continued: “I'm not ready for my last match with the national team, but it's time. I dreamed about it and my dream came true, reaching another final.
“My teammates already know that there is no going back, that I have made my decision. They support the decision that I have made. There is only one game left. This is what I wanted. I feel like this is the right time. That's all.”
“I gave everything I had to give. I gave my life for this jersey and I think it’s the perfect time to say goodbye. It’s decided. There’s no going back.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1921375/lionel-messi-angel-di-maria-argentina-copa-america