Ángel Di María’s Absence from Argentina’s Match against Chile in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
The Argentine national football team resumes its campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers following their triumph in the 2024 Copa América. However, the squad selected for the upcoming match against Chile is marked by significant absences, most notably that of Ángel Di María, alongside Lionel Messi.
Di María, currently representing Benfica, will be present at the Mas Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, not as a participant in the match but as a former player, having announced his retirement from international football. The final occasion on which the Rosario-born athlete donned the Albiceleste jersey was during the Copa América final against Colombia on July 14, 2024. This decision to retire was made public prior to the tournament, albeit with some speculation regarding the possibility of an appearance in the qualifying matches for the World Cup.
In honor of his contributions to the national team, a farewell tribute for Di María is scheduled to take place before Thursday night’s game. This ceremony will feature his entrance onto the field, where he will be greeted with applause from the crowd, accompanied by a presentation of visual montages highlighting his career and additional surprises. In his own words, Di María expressed the significance of the event, stating, “It will be a special night, and I am happy to set foot on Argentine soil again. I came to enjoy the moment with my friends,” reflecting on his vital role in the 2022 World Cup final where he scored Argentina’s second goal against France.
Additionally, Di María’s absence coincides with that of Lionel Messi, who remains sidelined due to an ongoing recovery from an ankle injury, as well as goalkeeper Franco Armani, who is also set to retire from the Argentine national team.
As a mark of continuity, the iconic number 11 jersey previously worn by Di María will now be donned by Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, following Di María’s illustrious career with the national team, which included 145 appearances, 31 goals, and 32 assists. His remarkable achievements include victories in the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup, an Olympic gold medal in Beijing 2008, and the Under-20 World Cup title in Canada in 2007. Di María’s contributions in finals are particularly noteworthy, as he scored in each final match except for the 2024 Copa América and the Under-20 World Cup in 2007.
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