Forget the final loss to Spain; for Ángel Di María and countless Argentina fans, the true World Cup triumph arrived when La Albiceleste dispatched England in a fiercely contested semi-final. The veteran winger's astonishing declaration casts a new light on their entire tournament journey, underscoring the deep-seated rivalry and emotional weight of that clash.
- Ángel Di María controversially claimed Argentina's World Cup "ended" after their semi-final victory over England.
- The emotional weight of beating England overshadowed the subsequent final defeat to Spain.
- Di María firmly believes Lionel Messi should continue his international career "for many more years."
- He also expressed strong support for Lionel Scaloni to remain as Argentina's manager, praising his development of young talent.
Di María's Shocking 'World Cup Over' Declaration
Speaking to TNT Sports after a club match, Di María didn't mince words. "For me, the World Cup ended when Argentina won against England. We gave the biggest joy to the country," the 38-year-old superstar stated. This candid comment highlights the profound significance of overcoming their historical rivals, particularly given the enduring tensions between the two nations following the 1982 Falklands War.
The semi-final clash itself was a powder keg of emotion and history, making Argentina's 2-1 come-from-behind victory a moment of immense national pride that, for Di María, surpassed even the ambition of lifting the trophy.
A Gauntlet Thrown: Argentina's Grueling Path
Lionel Scaloni's squad endured a truly brutal path to the final in North America. Their journey included surviving a chaotic last-32 encounter against Cape Verde, a thrilling 3-2 comeback from 2-0 down against Egypt in the last 16, and an extra-time battle to overcome Switzerland. Each step tested their resolve, culminating in the dramatic semi-final win over Thomas Tuchel's England.
Ultimately, Argentina fell short in the final in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres' extra-time goal sealing a 1-0 victory for Luis de La Fuente's Spain. The final was also marred by controversy surrounding Argentina's aggressive approach and defensive tactics.
The Lingering Question: Messi's International Future
The emotional final saw Lionel Messi in tears, fueling widespread speculation that the legendary captain had played his last World Cup match. However, Di María, who has shared countless moments with Messi on the international stage, offered a definitive stance on his friend's future.
"Yes, Leo should continue for as long as he wants. I think he can keep going for many more years," Di María asserted. He praised Messi's unparalleled skill, noting, "At 39 years old, he’s proven he’s one of the best and still the best in history, with no ceiling." This unwavering support from a former teammate could be a strong signal for Messi's potential continuation.
Scaloni's Command: The Architect of the New Generation
Beyond Messi, the future of head coach Lionel Scaloni also hung in the balance after he became visibly emotional when discussing his tenure post-tournament. Di María was unequivocal in his support for the manager who guided Argentina to glory in Qatar four years prior.
"As for Scaloni, he’s the leader of the Scaloneta and his national team and I hope he continues," Di María declared. He highlighted Scaloni's crucial role in "building an excellent generation of young new players," emphasizing the long-term benefits for the national team. While acknowledging the final decision rests with Scaloni, Di María's words echo the sentiments of many Argentine fans hoping for continuity.
