Ángel Di María: Reflecting on Triumphs and Trials with Argentina
In the world of soccer, few names resonate as powerfully as Ángel Di María. The Argentine winger, known for his dazzling footwork and crucial goals, has had a career filled with both triumphs and heartaches. Recently, Di María opened up about the emotional toll of his journey with the national team, revealing that he continues to take medication to cope with the disappointment and pressure of losing three consecutive finals with Argentina.
Di María’s career with Argentina has been a rollercoaster of emotions. While he eventually tasted victory with the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, the path to these achievements was fraught with challenges. Before these triumphs, Di María and his teammates faced the heartbreak of losing two Copa América finals and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in a span of just three years.
“Because of that I’m still taking the meds,” Di María candidly shared with Infobae, as reported by ESPN. “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.”
Despite the setbacks, Di María has been a pivotal figure in Argentina’s recent successes. He was one of the heroes in the 2021 Copa América final, scoring the only goal against Brazil, and he also netted the first goal for Argentina in their victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final. These moments of glory, however, do not erase the memories of past disappointments.
Di María expressed empathy for his former teammates who did not experience the joy of winning a title. “Who remembers the boys that reached that World Cup final and didn’t win?” he questioned. “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 has retired from international duty, a decision he made last summer. Despite still playing at a competitive level, he has no regrets about stepping away from the national team. The former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain player scored 31 goals in 145 appearances for the Albiceleste.
“I was there for 16 years [with the national team] and it is as if I had been in a club,” Di María reflected. “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:
- Scored the only goal in the 2021 Copa América final against Brazil.
- Scored the first goal in the 2022 World Cup final against France.
- 31 goals in 145 appearances for Argentina.
- Retired from international duty in 2024.
Di María’s story is a testament to the resilience and dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of sport. His journey with Argentina is a reminder of the emotional and psychological challenges that athletes face, even as they achieve greatness on the field. As Di María looks to the future, he hopes to remain connected to the national team in a new capacity, continuing to contribute to the legacy of Argentine soccer.
Originally Written by: Adriana Garcia
