Ángel Di María has sent a message to Lionel Messi ahead of his final match for Argentina, saying he is happy to see his former teammate at peace, knowing he has given everything.
Di María will attend the farewell at the Estadio Monumental on October 6, when Argentina face Benin, but will not play.
He confirmed his plans after Rosario Central's win over Argentinos Juniors on September 20. Central are scheduled to face Banfield in Buenos Aires on October 5, allowing Di María to remain in the city for Messi's farewell the following day.
Di María’s Full Message on Messi’s Argentina Farewell
Di María made the comments in the mixed zone after Central's away draw at Estadio Florencio Sola, with Argentina's farewell match against Benin scheduled for the following night in Buenos Aires.
The former Real Madrid star told Argentine media that he had seen the photos and videos Messi posted ahead of the game and said seeing his former teammate happy and at peace made him happy too.
He said: "Today I saw photos he posted, videos that were going up. To see him with that happiness, that tranquility of knowing he gave it his all- that's what makes us happy. That he enjoys it a lot. Surely today will be a very special day for everyone. We have to thank him for life."
Di María said he would watch the match from the stands and enjoy Messi's farewell alongside other Argentina fans.
“I'll watch from outside, calmly, and enjoy this final dance like all Argentines,” he said. He added that he had spoken to Messi before the game and planned to see him before kick-off.
Why Di María’s View on Messi’s Farewell Matters
Di María and Messi have shared a long history with Argentina, dating back to the late 2000s. Together, they won Olympic gold in 2008, the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima in 2022, and the World Cup in Qatar later that year.
Beyond the national team, Di María and Messi were teammates at Paris Saint-Germain during the 2021/22 season. Di María recalled having much more time around Messi in Paris than during international duty, when players spend less time together.
Di María retired from the Argentina duty after the 2024 Copa América. Di María also paid tribute after the August 31 retirement announcement, thanking him for choosing Argentina and calling him “the best in history.”
In October, he spoke about his former teammate's state of mind ahead of the farewell.
Messi’s Argentina Retirement and Monumental Farewell Match
Messi announced his retirement from international football on 31 August 2026, saying: "I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, great young players are coming up who deserve their chance."
The farewell friendly against Benin on October 6 marks Messi's final appearance for the national team after 21 years, with members of the 2022 World Cup squad expected to attend.
