"Life has given me more than I could ask for" - Angel Di Maria makes emotional claim ahead of Argentina's 2024 Copa America final against Colombia

Angel Di Maria has made an emotional claim as he prepares for his swansong with Argentina when they face Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final on Sunday (July 14) in Miami. The legendary winger has helped La Albiceleste win two major trophies in short succession, lifting Copa America in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Now, they have yet another chance to defend their trophy. They have won every game, keeping a clean sheet throughout the group stage. Aside from conceding in the quarter-final against Ecuador, they have kept their opponents from scoring goals.

They face Colombia in the final, where Angel Di Maria will hope to help them retain their Copa America title. The 36-year-old winger took to Instagram where he posted a picture of himself and captain Lionel Messi, with the caption (via Albiceleste Talk):

"Life has given me more than I could ever ask for."

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Angel Di Maria reminisces time at Real Madrid

Angel Di Maria is one of the few players who have played alongside both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He played with the latter while they were both at Real Madrid, which Di Maria has some fond memories of.

He spoke to the media ahead of Argentina's clash with Colombia, recalling his time with the Spanish giants (via Madrid Universal):

“When I arrived at Real Madrid, there were incredible stars & I ended up playing, even when there was Benzema, Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo. I made my place in the middle alongside Modrić and Xabi Alonso.

“I loved working with Mourinho at Real Madrid. When Ancelotti arrived, I had never played in a three-man midfield and he invented a position for me in his team, even though there were great players in the squad. And I ended up winning the Champions League playing in that position.”

He also spoke about a number of players he spent time in the dressing room with, including Karim Benzema, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2022:

“Benzema is a player with a unique quality: it’s as if you don’t see him, and then suddenly, without warning, he grabs the ball, takes out two or three players & delivers a decisive pass or scores a goal. He deserved to win the Ballon d’Or.”

Angel Di Maria will hope to win a fourth straight major title with La Albiceleste. Having scored in all three previous finals, he will look to continue that streak.