Di Maria’s emotional tribute to Argentina squad after World Cup final berth: “We cannot ask for anything more”

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Argentine football legend Ángel Di María has delivered an emotional message to the national team players following their dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over England, which secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.

The 38-year-old, who retired from international duty after winning the 2024 Copa América, followed the match from home and took to Instagram with a series of heartfelt posts celebrating the achievement of his former teammates

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A Generation That Understood the Shirt

In a lengthy open letter shared on his Instagram stories, Di María expressed profound gratitude to the current squad.

“We cannot ask for anything more. We just have to thank them every day of our lives for what they did for football and for the Argentine people,” he wrote.

The former Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain winger reflected on the remarkable journey of the current generation:

“We have had about five or six years of glory, passion, and unique moments, and it’s all thanks to you. A generation of players who truly understood what it means to wear the Argentina shirt, who didn’t crumble under the weight of the burden that had been carried for so many years”.

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A Comeback for the Ages

Argentina’s path to the final was anything but smooth. England took the lead through Anthony Gordon, but the Albiceleste responded with characteristic resilience. Enzo Fernández unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box to level the scores, before Lautaro Martínez headed home the winner in the second minute of stoppage time.

Lionel Messi provided the assists for both goals, once again proving decisive on the biggest stage.

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“Keep Enjoying—If You Enjoy, We Are Happy”

Di María closed his message with a simple but powerful request for the players who will take the field against Spain on Sunday:

“I just want to say thank you very much for a new final and for everything you give to Argentines. Oh, and I almost forgot—keep enjoying it, because if you enjoy it, we are happy too”.

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No Final Appearance for “El Fideo”

Despite speculation that Di María might travel to the United States to present the World Cup trophy before Sunday’s final, the Rosario native firmly dismissed the rumours.

“No! Are you crazy?” he laughed when asked by TN. “I didn’t go and I’m not going. I don’t want to be a jinx. I’ll stay calm at home and keep watching from there”.

He added: “The boys know they have my support from day one, so I’m supporting as always. I’m very happy. I feel I took an important step in stepping aside so the younger ones could continue, and I think I did very well. The boys are back in the final, and after yesterday, I don’t think you can ask them for anything more”.

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A Legacy of Glory

Di María’s words carry the weight of a man who knows exactly what it takes to reach the pinnacle of world football. A key figure in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and the 2021 and 2024 Copa América victories, he has been at the heart of this golden era.

Now, from afar, he watches a new generation carry the torch—and he could not be prouder.

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Argentina face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, at 3:00 PM EDT at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.