"I'm not ready for my last game, but it's time" - Argentina forward Angel Di Maria on international retirement after reaching 2024 Copa America final

Angel Di Maria has commented on his potential international retirement after Argentina reached the final of the 2024 Copa America. The Benfica attacker's comments came after Lionel Scaloni's side overcame Canada 2-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday, July 9.

The 36-year-old is the fourth-most capped player in Argentine history with 144 international appearances. He has racked up 31 goals and 32 assists in those games, which placed him sixth on his nation's all-time goalscoring chart. In September 2018, Di Maria made his senior international debut as a 20-year-old in a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay.

Di Maria has been a key contributor to La Albiceleste's monumental success in major international tournaments over the past few years. He scored the winning goal for Argentina in the 2021 Copa America final against Brazil (1-0).

He also scored (45+1') in the 2022 Finalissima against Italy (3-0). In the 2022 FIFA World Cup final against France, he scored in the 36th minute and assisted captain Lionel Messi in the 108th minute. The two sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in 120 minutes, with Argentina winning 4-2 on penalties.

Despite delivering in so many clutch moments for his national side in the recent past, Di Maria noted that it might be time for him to hang up the boots. In a post-match interview after the Canada game, the 36-year-old said (via @AlbicelesteTalk on X):

"I'm not ready for my last game in the national team, but it's time. Whatever happens in the final, I think I can leave through the front door. I gave everything. I always gave my life for this jersey. There were times when I didn't get to, but lately I have. I am grateful to everyone who supported me."

"This group gave me everything" - Argentina forward Angel Di Maria recalls emotional moments before 2-0 win vs Canada in Copa America semi-final

Angel Di Maria was overcome with emotions while recalling the events in the dressing room leading up to Argentina's 2-0 win over Canada in the Copa America semi-finals.

In the post-match interview, the former Real Madrid forward revealed captain Lionel Messi's pre-match speech. Di Maria stated that the Barcelona legend motivated the side to win the match to honor him.

Di Maria said (via @AlbicelesteTalk on X):

"Today, before stepping onto the field, Leo (Messi) gave a speech where he said that they wanted to reach the final for me, and that filled me with pride. This group gave me everything."

In the final of Copa America 2024 at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, July 14, Argentina will take on the winner of the second semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia.

The game could potentially be Di Maria's final one for the national side, giving his teammates added motivation to defend their title.