Angel Di Maria has said his goodbyes to Argentina fans after helping his country to another Copa America win.
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward Ángel Di María has retired from international football after helping Argentina win the Copa América title.
Di María played a starring role as Argentina clinched the trophy with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Colombia in the final on Monday.
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Di Maria leaves Argentina
Lautaro Martinez came off the bench to score the decisive goal in extra time after Lionel Messi, now the most decorated player in the world, was substituted due to a swollen ankle.
While Martinez grabbed the headlines with the late winner, the 36-year-old Di Maria once again played the unsung hero role for Argentina.
![Angel Di Maria and family](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/28032024/dcab8fb3-3d7e-4125-8556-bb18afe46481.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
The veteran winger featured for 117 minutes, creating the most chances, making the most key passes, attempting two shots, and completing two dribbles before being substituted three minutes from the end.
Di María also contributed defensively, winning one tackle, five ground duels and making eight recoveries to help Argentina secure the victory.
![Angel Di Maria says goodbye in tears.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/15072024/d276ef79-9d2c-459c-a8b6-cd1ca03d3956.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
After the match, the former Real Madrid, Manchester United and PSG star announced that the Copa América triumph would be his last appearance for the national team.
"It was my dream to retire from the national team like this. Argentina is my love and my country. Thank you," Di María stated, according to Fabrizio Romano, after bidding farewell to the fans in tears.
![Angel Di Maria bows out with Copa America win.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/15072024/2169c6ef-2741-40d0-a609-103a96d92071.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Di María made his Argentina debut in 2008 and went on to earn 138 caps, scoring 29 goals in a successful international career.
He played a key role in their 2008 Olympic gold medal, as well as their 2022 World Cup and Copa América triumphs.
![A dejected Di Maria with his Argentine teammates after the win.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/15072024/9c7bcee0-b890-4776-b5e6-206713944bea.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
The veteran winger will now focus on playing one more season at Benfica before bringing the curtain down on his illustrious career.
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