Argentina legend Ángel Di María has confirmed that he will not be joining fellow greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup this year, bringing a definitive close to his international career.

Speaking in an interview with AS, the 37-year-old winger reflected calmly on his journey with the Argentine national team, describing it as fulfilled, complete, and beautifully concluded.

Di María, who shared countless moments with Messi in the famous blue and white jersey, admitted that while the desire to play at the highest level never truly fades, he knows it is time to step aside.

“It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s that I feel like I’ve finished a cycle. I’ve done all the things I set out to do,” he said.
“A new group of young people is now taking over, and I feel like it’s finally time to step back.”

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star revealed that he initially planned to retire from international football after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but was persuaded by teammates to stay on for the 2024 Copa América—a decision that ended in yet another fairytale triumph.

“It ended just like a dream, with us winning the championship. It was my moment. Now it’s someone else’s turn,” Di María added.

Few players can boast a résumé as complete as Di María’s. He won Olympic gold in 2008, the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima in 2022, and crowned it all with the World Cup title in 2022—collecting a medal in every major competition he featured in.

Despite invitations to return alongside other veteran stars such as Messi, Ronaldo, and Luka Modrić, Di María has chosen to remain retired, staying in Argentina and keeping his distance from the global spotlight.

Opinion: Knowing When to Leave Is the Greatest Victory

Di María’s decision stands out in an era where many legends struggle to let go. While fans may dream of one last dance, his choice reflects rare self-awareness and dignity. He didn’t fade out—he signed off at the very top.

In football, timing is everything. Di María leaves not as a shadow of his former self, but as a hero whose final chapters were written in gold. By stepping aside, he opens the door for a new generation to build their own stories, just as he once did.

Not every legend needs a farewell tour. Some exits are perfect simply because they happen at the right time—and Ángel Di María’s feels exactly like that.