Angel Di Maria (foto: Getty Images)
Angel Di Maria, the Argentine winger, has decided not to participate in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris, choosing instead to focus on this year's Copa America.
This decision marks the end of speculation about Di Maria teaming up with Lionel Messi for one last hurrah in the Argentine national team at the Olympics.
Many football fans in Argentina were hopeful to see veterans Messi and Di Maria don the national jersey at the Paris Olympics. Messi had previously won the Olympics in 2004, but Di Maria never had the opportunity to play in the Olympic Games. Argentina's qualification for the prestigious event was seen as a potential stage for Di Maria's Olympic debut.
However, Di Maria has confirmed that he will not be part of the Olympic squad. He has decided to conclude his international career with the Copa America, thus ruling out participation in the Olympics, even if Argentina qualifies. "After suffering for many years in the national team, winning the Copa America in 2022 made me truly enjoy it," said Di Maria.
While theoretically possible to play in both tournaments, with the Copa America scheduled from June 20 to July 14 and the Olympics from July 26 to August 11, the physical demands would likely be too strenuous for the 35-year-old Di Maria. Last summer, he rejoined Portuguese club Benfica, adding another chapter to a career that has seen him play for Rosario Central, Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus.