Argentina captain Lionel Messi wished forward Angel Di Maria will conclude his international career with a goal in Sunday's Copa América final against Colombia.
Di María, 36, announced in November 2023 his intention to retire from international football after representing his country for 15 years. Messi wishes for him to score, just as he did against Brazil to secure the continental title in 2021 and against France in the 2022 World Cup final.
"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," Messi said in an interview with Direct TV Sports on Saturday, adding that the team still hopes he will reverse his decision.
"We always tell him that if everything goes well, we have playoff games coming up. Nevertheless, 'Fideo' [Di María] has made up his mind and there's nothing that can change it."
Di Maria has netted 31 goals in 144 caps for Argentina, having participated in six Copa Américas and four World Cups.
He also scored the decisive goal in Argentina's 1-0 triumph over Nigeria to secure Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
During his pre-match press conference on Saturday, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni did not confirm whether Di María would start against Colombia.
"Even though we know it will be his last game, we will always decide first what is best for the team. If he has to play it's because he has to play, if we decide not to play him it's because we think differently," he said.
"We hope that everything goes well and that Ángel can retire in the best possible way."
Argentina reached Sunday's final without a standout performance from Messi, who has been contending with a leg injury.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner weaved through defenders and set up scoring chances for his teammates, but he only scored by deflecting Enzo Fernández's shot past Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau to secure Argentina's 2-0 win in the semifinal.
Ahead of the final, the 37-year-old stated he has experienced discomfort at times throughout the tournament but assured it won't hinder him on Sunday.
"In the final I'm going to feel better," he said.
