Messi hopes for Di Maria's help to win last Copa America

Argentina captain Lionel Messi is hopeful that veteran forward Angel Di Maria will cap off his international career with a goal in Sunday’s Copa America final against Colombia.

The 36-year-old forward announced in November that he plans to retire from international football after 15 years of representing his country and Messi is eager for his longtime teammate to score in yet another final.

Di Maria has already scored in the 2021 Copa America final against Brazil, against Nigeria in the 2008 Olympic games final, and the 2022 World Cup final against France.

Di Maria has been a crucial player for Argentina, with 31 goals in 144 appearances making appearances in six Copa Americas and four World Cups.

Messi, reflecting on Di Maria’s contributions, expressed in an interview with Direct TV Sports that it would be extraordinary if Di Maria scored another critical goal in the final.

Despite Di Maria's decision to retire, Messi and the team are still hoping he might reconsider. "We always tell him that if everything goes well, we have playoff games coming up. Nevertheless, 'Fideo' (Di Maria) has made up his mind and there's nothing that can change it," Messi stated.

"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 continued.

Di Maria, who has turned out for major clubs including Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus will be hoping to put a fine point on his international career that already includes a World Cup and Copa America title when Argentina face Colombia on Monday morning.