Di Maria: 'Argentina is not dependent on Messi'
"For me, playing with Messi is the best in my career," Di Maria told Argentine newspaper La Nacion on November 15. "Messi is the best player in the world, an alien and I don't get tired of saying it all the time."
However, the 34-year-old star emphasized that Argentina's play does not always depend on Messi, because the team has many high-class players who can make a difference. Di Maria explained: "I always coordinate, pass to Messi. But I also understand that, although Messi can solve the situation, I don't always need to give the ball to him. I have to think about giving the ball to him. When is Messi the most appropriate?"
According to Di Maria, playing with Messi at the club level, after many years of fighting at the national team level, made his career more fulfilling. The duo wore the PSG shirt for the 2021-2022 season and won Ligue 1. But this season, Di Maria has moved to Juventus on a free transfer.
After the PSG match against Auxerre 5-0 in the 15th round of Ligue 1 on November 13, Di Maria joined Messi with Argentina in Abu Dhabi and attended an open training session at Al Nahyan Stadium on November 14. Qatar 2022 is the fourth World Cup of Di Maria, equal to the achievement of the late legendary Diego Armando Maradona or Javier Mascherano. "It is not easy to stay in the team for such a long time, given the number and quality of Argentina's players," proud Di Maria. "I've received a lot of criticism, but I've played 124 games for Argentina. I don't think everyone can achieve that."
Di Maria regretted when midfielder Giovani Lo Celso teammate had to undergo surgery and was removed from the list to go to Qatar. "Lo Celso, more than anyone, deserves to be at the 2022 World Cup," the 34-year-old midfielder emphasized.
According to Di Maria, France, Germany, and Spain are candidates to win the 2022 World Cup. He is also confident that Argentina can play fair with all opponents while in high form with a 35-match unbeaten streak, thereby won the Copa America 2021, the Intercontinental Super Cup and qualified for the 2022 World Cup. "We will fight in every match to win the World Cup," Di Maria affirmed.
The Juventus midfielder also praised the talent of coach Lionel Scaloni - who retired from playing at Atalanta in 2015. "He just retired a few years ago so he knows what the players want and need. Scaloni. knows how to combine young players with old players, from which to create a great team," Di Maria said.
Today, Di Maria and teammates continue to practice lightly before playing a friendly match with the UAE in Abu Dhabi on November 16.
