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By Our Sports Desk | Opening Doorz Editorial | July 16, 2024 Remember Argentina’s emotional Copa America victory in 2021? The man who ended a nation’s 28-year trophy drought wasn’t […]
By Our Sports Desk | Opening Doorz Editorial | July 16, 2024
Remember Argentina’s emotional Copa America victory in 2021? The man who ended a nation’s 28-year trophy drought wasn’t Lionel Messi. It was Angel Di Maria, the Argentine winger known for his dazzling footwork and pinpoint crosses. Angel Di Maria has left a lasting legacy in the hearts of many fans.
After watching from the sidelines through heart-breaking losses in the 2014 World Cup final and the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals, Angel Di Maria finally had his moment. Fully fit against Brazil, he took down a lofted pass from Rodrigo de Paul and chipped a sensational goal over Manchester City’s Ederson, sparking a new chapter in his unforgettable story. Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Brazil
On Sunday, July 14, exactly three years later, under the vibrant Copa America sky, Angel Di Maria etched his name deeper into Argentine footballing lore. Not just for the trophy Argentina hoisted, a 1-0 victory over Colombia, but for the culmination of a remarkable international career.
With this final chapter written, Di Maria hangs up his Argentina jersey, leaving behind a legacy woven with dazzling skill, pure soccer passion, and a heart that will forever beat for La Albiceleste.
“It was written, it had to be this way, I told the boys last night at dinner, that it was the last Copa America and it ends here. I dreamed that we reached the final, I dreamed that I won it and I retired this way,” Angel Di Maria said after the match, as quoted by Sport.
‘El Fideo,’ the Noodle, as he’s affectionately called, was a maestro on the pitch. His left foot was a wand, conjuring pinpoint crosses, venomous long shots, and audacious dribbles that left defenders chasing shadows. He wasn’t just a virtuoso though; Angel Di Maria was a team player. His telepathic understanding with Lionel Messi unlocked defenses, and his tireless work ethic often went unnoticed in the shadow of his flashier skills.
His journey wasn’t always smooth. There were moments of frustration, missed opportunities, and the sting of defeat in major finals. Yet, Angel Di Maria never faltered. He persevered, his love for the national team burning bright. That spirit was an inspiration for his teammates.
And then came redemption. In 2022, Argentina lifted the World Cup, and Di María played a pivotal role. His assist for Lautaro Martinez in the Final against France was pure poetry. But today, in the Copa América final, he wrote his own verse. With nerves jangling and the clock ticking down, Di María rose to the occasion, his every touch imbued with the weight of his illustrious career.
Di Maria was more than just a skillful player. He embodied the spirit of sportsmanship. He was also known for his fair play. In one instance, following a red card to an opponent during an international match, visibly upset, Di Maria approached the player and offered a word of comfort and encouragement, a gesture that spoke volumes about his character.
“We’re all out there competing, but at the end of the day, it’s a game,” Di Maria later reflected. This act of sportsmanship earned him praise from teammates and fans alike.
Angel Di Maria continued to weave his magic on the field, till today. He has inspired a new generation of footballers with his unforgettable footwork, sublime runs down the flanks and brilliant left footers, that most often found the back of the net, for club and country.
Di Maria’s journey to the top wasn’t a straight shot. Growing up in Rosario, Argentina, poverty was a constant companion. He honed his skills on a dusty field near his home, his worn-out ball his only possession. His talent was undeniable, and at a young age, he caught the eye of Rosario Central’s scouts. Facing separation from his family at 14, Di Maria persevered, fuelled by a dream of playing professional football.
“Football is my escape,” Di Maria once said. “It’s where I feel free and happy. Everything else disappears when I have the ball at my feet.”
As the final whistle blew on Sunday, sealing Argentina’s victory, Angel Di Maria’s emotions spilled over. Tears welled up in his eyes, a mixture of relief, pride, and perhaps a tinge of sadness. He had come full circle, the little boy who dreamt of playing for Argentina, now a legend draped in the national colours.
Angel Di Maria’s story is one of love for the beautiful game. He wore his heart on his sleeve. He was a magician who sprinkled his magic on countless games, and a true team man who inspired his teammates. A true wingman to Lionel Messi.
All Images, Courtesy: angeldimariajm/Instagram
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