After scoring the match-winner that ended a long-awaited Copa America title for Messi, Di Maria shared what his Argentina teammate told him.
Lionel Messi told Angel Di Maria that the Copa America final would be his chance to shine after missing several big matches due to injury in recent years.
Di Maria didn’t disappoint either. The Paris Saint-Germain winger scored the winning goal in the 22nd-minute against Brazil with a sublime chip following an assist from Rodrigo De Paul. He continued to trouble the opposition in the second half to help Argentina win the Copa America final.
The 1-0 victory over Brazil ended Argentina’s 28-year wait for a trophy and also handed Messi a first major honor with the senior national team.
Like Messi, Di Maria also bagged first senior international trophy. And considering the 33-year-old missed the heart-breaking 2016 Copa America final defeat to Chile, it made Sunday’s win in Brazil even sweeter.
"LEO ME DIJO QUE IBA A SER MI PARTIDO"
Ángel Di María, el autor del GOLAZO DEL TITULO. pic.twitter.com/gDOMJ6rfHZ— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) July 11, 2021
“It’s going to be unforgettable,” Di Maria told TyC Sports. “Messi told me thanks to me. I said thanks to him!
“He told me that it was my final, that it was the rematch for the finals that I couldn’t play. It had to be today and today it was.”
Di Maria added: “I am happy for my daughters, my wife, my parents, all the people who supported us, and for all the crazy people who came here.
“A World Cup is coming up soon, and this is a huge boost.”
After Di Maria’s opening goal, Brazil attempted to get back on level terms in the second half. Richarlison had an effort ruled out for offside, while Neymar created several chances for his teammates. But to their credit, Argentina held on to claim a 15th Copa America title.
It was a night many Argentinians, especially Messi and Di Maria, will never forget.
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