Angel Di Maria, a prominent figure in the football world, has recently offered insight into the implications of Lionel Messi’s absence from Argentina’s March camp, suggesting that it may, in fact, be a blessing in disguise.
The distinguished Argentina captain, a pivotal force in the team’s World Cup triumph, found himself compelled to withdraw from the national squad for the March international friendlies due to an unfortunate injury sustained during Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against Nashville earlier this month.
Di Maria, known for his close camaraderie with Messi, has articulated that while Messi’s absence is felt deeply, it presents an opportunity for the Argentine squad to adapt and thrive. With the 2024 Copa America looming on the horizon, Di Maria believes that maintaining composure in the face of adversity will be crucial for Argentina’s title defense.
In an interview with D Sports, the seasoned Benfica star remarked, “Leo is always missed. Having the best player in history, being able to train and play alongside him, is an unparalleled experience. It’s unfortunate that this injury occurred at this juncture, but we must remain composed. It’s perhaps a blessing in disguise that it happened now, allowing him sufficient time to recuperate for the Copa America.”
Despite the setback, Argentina showcased their resilience with an impressive 3-0 victory over El Salvador in their recent friendly encounter. Looking ahead, they are set to face Costa Rica, marking another opportunity for the squad to fine-tune their preparations.
With their sights firmly set on the Copa America in the United States, Argentina is poised to commence their championship defense on June 20. As they embark on this journey, Di Maria’s words serve as a rallying cry for the team, urging them to embrace the challenges ahead and emerge stronger on the quest for glory.