Lionel Messi Hopes for Fairytale Ending for Angel Di Maria in Copa America Final

Lionel Messi wishes for Angel Di Maria to score in Sunday's Copa America final against Colombia, marking the end of Di Maria's 15-year international career. Di Maria, who announced his retirement plans in February, has previously scored key goals for Argentina, including in the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup finals.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi wishes forward Angel Di Maria a memorable farewell with a goal in the upcoming Copa America final against Colombia. Di Maria, 36, revealed his retirement plans in February, after serving his national team for 15 years. Messi hopes Di Maria will find the net one last time, as he did in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup finals against Brazil and France, respectively.

In an interview with Direct TV Sports, Messi expressed his hopes, saying, "Who knows, maybe he'll score another goal in the final like he did in all the previous ones he's played in. It would be extraordinary." The team hopes Di Maria might reconsider his decision, but it seems unlikely. "Fideo (Di Maria) has made up his mind and there's nothing that can change it," Messi added.

Di Maria has an impressive record with 31 goals in 144 appearances for Argentina. His career highlights include six Copa America participations, four World Cup appearances, and the decisive goal in Argentina's 1-0 win over Nigeria to secure Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.