Ángel Di María: Coping with the Weight of Argentina’s Near Misses
In the world of soccer, few players have experienced the highs and lows quite like Ángel Di María. The Argentine winger, who has dazzled fans with his skill and tenacity, recently opened up about the emotional toll of his career with the national team. Despite his impressive achievements, Di María has revealed that he continues to take medication to manage the disappointment and pressure of losing three consecutive finals with Argentina.
Di María’s journey with the national team is a tale of resilience and redemption. While he eventually tasted victory with Argentina, winning the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, the road to glory was paved with heartache. In a span of just three years, Di María and his teammates faced the agony of losing two Copa América finals and the 2014 FIFA World Cup final.
In a candid interview with Infobae, as reported by ESPN, Di María shared, “Because of that I’m still taking the meds. I was able to reduce it [dosage]. I’m much better, but that’s something a little addictive, too … These are things that stay with you, that mark you.”
Di María’s contributions to Argentina’s success cannot be overstated. He was a pivotal figure in the team’s triumphs, scoring the decisive goal against Brazil in the 2021 Copa América final and netting the first goal in the 2022 World Cup final against France. Yet, despite these heroic moments, Di María expressed empathy for his former teammates who never experienced the joy of lifting a trophy.
“Who remembers the boys that reached that World Cup final and didn’t win?” he pondered. “Very few, it seems unfair to me. Who is talking about those kids? Nobody. Very few can tell you how they played. I said it a lot of times when we became world champions, when we won the Copa América, I always said that those trophies were also [thanks] to the previous generation.”
At 37, Di María made the decision to retire from international duty last summer, a choice he stands by without regret. His illustrious career with the Albiceleste spanned 16 years, during which he scored 31 goals in 145 appearances. Reflecting on his time with the national team, Di María likened it to being part of a club, underscoring the deep connection he felt with his teammates and the Argentine fans.
“I was there for 16 years [with the national team] and it is as if I had been in a club,” Di María said. “It’s difficult, but I think I made the right decision. It’s obvious that it tempts me because it’s the national team. I achieved everything I wanted to achieve. I left the way I wanted to leave … I hope one day I can be there again, in a different role.”
- Ángel Di María’s career highlights:
- 145 appearances for Argentina
- 31 goals scored
- 2022 World Cup winner
- 2024 Copa América winner
- Scored decisive goals in major finals
Di María’s story is a testament to the emotional complexities of professional sports. While the victories are celebrated, the losses linger, leaving an indelible mark on those who experience them. As Di María continues to navigate life after international soccer, his reflections offer a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and struggles that accompany the pursuit of greatness.
Originally Written by: Adriana Garcia
