Angel Di Maria bows out with Copa America title: Numbers
What's the story
Argentina secured their 16th Copa America title after beating Colombia in a high-octane final. They were crowned champions after Lautaro Martínez scored the match's only goal in extra time. This marked the end of mid-fielder Angel Di Maria's journey in international football. He bowed out after winning four international titles with Argentina, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Here are his numbers.
Career
An illustrious international career that spanned over 15 years
Di Maria, who represented Argentina for over 15 years, had decided to retire from international football after the 2024 Copa America. The 36-year-old made his Argentina debut in September 2008 against Paraguay. He featured in four FIFA World Cups and five-plus Copa Americas besides making his mark in other competitions. In an injury-ridden career, Di Maria gave his best for La Albiceleste.
Information
Joint third-most international appearances for Argentina
Di Maria made the joint third-most appearances for Argentina in international football (145), with Javier Zanetti. Only Messi (187) and Javier Mascherano (147) are ahead of the duo in terms of international matches for Argentina.
Stats
31 goals and 29 assists
Between 2008 and 2024, Di Maria slammed 31 goals, the joint sixth-highest for Argentina in international football. He shares the spot with Gonzalo Higuain (31). The legendary Messi tops the list of goal-scorers with 109 goals. Moreover, Di Maria made 29 assists, the second-most for the side after Messi (55). Legend Diego Maradona follows Di Maria with 26 assists.
Titles
Two Copa America titles; one FIFA World Cup honor
Di Maria was part of Argentina's Copa America-winning squad in 2021. Notably, Argentina won their first title since 1993. A year later, Di Maria won the FIFA World Cup and Finalissima with Argentina. Notably, Di Maria scored in Argentina's win over France in the FIFA World Cup final. He also won the 2007 Under-20 FIFA World Cup followed by the Olympic gold in 2008.
Feats
Unique records of Di Maria
Di Maria is the only player to have scored in the Olympics final, Copa America final, Finalissima, and also in the FIFA World Cup final. He scored in the 2008 Olympics final against Nigeria while also netting the winner against Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final. Di Maria scored in the Finalissima and 2022 World Cup final against Italy and France, respectively.
Information
Three World Cup goals; two against France
Di Maria featured in four FIFA World Cups in total but scored in his last three editions (2014, 2018, and 2022). Interestingly, all three goals came in the knockouts. Out of his three World Cup goals, two have come against France.
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
¡Gracias, Fideo! 🫶🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/ntGd6yJNNz
— Copa Mundial FIFA 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_es) July 15, 2024