Angel Di Maria has confirmed that the 2024 Copa America will be his final tournament with the Argentina national team. The winger has spent 16 years with the Albiceleste, scoring 29 goals for his country.

He recently missed the CONMEBOL qualifiers due to injury, but is hopeful of being called up by Lionel Scaloni for the continental tournament to be held in the United States next year. Di Maria was a key player for Argentina as they won the Copa America last time, and then the Finalissima and the World Cup in Qatar.

Angel Di Maria announces Argentina retirement date

“I will leave the Argentina national team after the Copa America. It’s over for me, it will be the last tournament,” the World Cup winner told Argentina radio Urbana Play 104.3.

“I came to Benfica to maintain my options of being able to continue in the national team,” Angel Di Maria said. “I knew I had to play in a good team in order to be at a good level. I want to play in the next Copa America and I’m doing everything possible to be my best in my club and every time I play for Argentina.”

The veteran has had a fiery start to his second spell in Benfica, joining them after a brief spell with Juventus. He has scored five goals in six games for Benfica, helping them climb to second place in the Premeira Liga, one point behind Sporting CP.