MIAMI GARDENS, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Angel Di Maria said that Argentina's thrilling 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final on Sunday had ensured a dream end to his international career.
The 36-year-old winger confirmed that he would call time on his 16-year international career after Lautaro Martinez's extra-time goal gave the Albiceleste back-to-back titles in the continental tournament.
"I dreamed that it would play out like this, that we'd reach the final and that we would win it in this way," Di Maria said after the match at Hard Rock Stadium. "I don't know what to say. I'm eternally grateful to this generation of players. This is the best way it could have ended."
Argentina are the first South American team to win three successive major international tournaments, following their triumphs in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.
Di Maria, who was a part of the Argentina side that lost the 2014 World Cup final and also stumbled at the last hurdle in the 2015 and 2016 editions of the Copa America, said he was "grateful" for being a part of the Albiceleste's recent success.
"It seems easy but it's very difficult," the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player said. "We experienced what it was like to be on the other side for 10 or 11 years. We tried as hard as we could but couldn't win [a major tournament]. Now we're having success and we have to enjoy it."
When asked about an ankle injury that forced Argentina captain Lionel Messi off the pitch in the second half on Sunday, Di Maria replied: "It's unfortunate that he had to go off in that manner. But I hope that it [the injury] is not too serious. Today we managed to win it for him." ■
