For the first time since retiring from international football, Ángel Di María will be just another supporter on Tuesday as Lionel Messi and his former teammates begin their World Cup campaign.
But the Albiceleste legend made sure to send a message of encouragement, tinged with a touch of nostalgia.
"Today a new dream begins and I just want to tell you, hand on heart, that we are with you until the end of the world," Di María wrote in a post on Instagram published Tuesday.
"I know what it feels like to be there and now I know what it feels like to be only a fan," he added.
"I can tell you that the hope you have today is the hope all Argentines have. I love you all and we're going all the way. COME ON ARGENTINA!!"
The Rosario Central player accompanied the message with a photograph of Lionel Scaloni's squad training in Kansas City.
Several members of the squad, including Enzo Fernández and Cristian Romero, returned the affection just hours before Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria.
"Thanks for everything, Fide," Romero wrote among the many responses to the post.
For the first time in 16 years, Di María will not lace up his boots at a World Cup, having appeared in four editions of the tournament.
After helping Argentina lift the coveted trophy in Qatar in 2022, the former Real Madrid player remained alongside Messi as the Albiceleste won the 2024 Copa América.
Having turned 36, Di María signed off on an exceptional international career with 145 appearances for Argentina and four major titles: the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América crowns, and the 2022 Finalissima.
– TIMES/AFP
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