For me, World Cup ended when Argentina beat England: Di Maria

Angel Di Maria may not have been part of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad, but the 2022 champion remained emotionally invested in the team’s campaign in North America.

Di Maria, who scored in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final victory over France, said the team deserved more than applause for their achievements, describing their semifinal victory over England as the defining moment of their campaign.

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“For me, the World Cup ended when Argentina beat England. We gave the biggest joy to the country. It was very noticeable and it made me happy. I’m eternally grateful to everyone,” Di Maria told TNT Sports after Rosario Central’s 2-1 defeat to Belgrano in Thursday’s Argentine Primera Division match.

The 38-year-old said he endured every match as Argentina battled through the tournament, praising the squad’s resilience despite their eventual defeat to Spain in the final.

“I suffered through every game, but they found that inner strength that ultimately led to victories,” he said, as quoted by TyC Sports.

“Sometimes you win finals, sometimes you don’t, but they left the blue and white flying high.”

He also backed Lionel Messi to continue his international career for as long as he wishes. 

“Leo should continue for as long as he wants. I think he can keep going for many more years,” he said.

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Messi in action against England. Photo: Reuters

“At 39, he has proved he is still one of the best in history, and there is no ceiling for him,” added the Argentine legend, who scored the winning goals in the 2008 Olympic gold medal match, the 2021 Copa America final and the 2022 Finalissima before officially retiring from the Albiceleste following their 2024 Copa America triumph.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United player also expressed his hope that Lionel Scaloni would remain as Argentina coach.

“Scaloni is the leader of this team, and I hope he continues,” he said. 

“He is building an excellent generation of young players, and that only adds to the national team. The decision is his, but as an Argentine, I hope he stays.”