Angel Di Maria was recently interviewed by ESPN Argentina and the PSG man commented on Lionel Messi’s words in the locker room after the Copa America as well as the rumors regarding Messi and Mauro Icardi.
A veteran of the Argentina national team, Angel Di Maria has seen and heard it all. From speaking to the media to not speaking to the media back to giving exclusive interviews, a lot has changed during the past few years. One thing that has remained a constant is Lionel Messi and his impact to the team.
Following the team’s elimination at the Copa America vs. Brazil, the Argentine captain said a few words to the rest of the team in the locker room. Di Maria had this to say regarding the comments:
“After the defeat to Brazil, he said some very nice words which came out everywhere. That is another thing that must be changed in Argentina because everything that is said (in the dressing room) ends up coming out (in the media). That hurts the group but since it came out, I will say it.
“Messi said that we had all rowed in the same direction from the 1st day, that he was very proud of the youngsters for their commitment to this jersey and if they were there & gave what they gave at the Copa America, it was because they more than deserved to be there.
“He said that we had all rowed in the same direction from the first day. That he was very proud of the youngsters for their commitment to this jersey and if they were there and gave what they gave at the Copa America, it was because they more than deserved to be there.
“Once he finished, everyone was in tears because it touched everyone’s hearts, especially the youngsters. They are the ones that have to carry on in the same path. It will not be easy for them. They will have to work and continue giving their all because sooner or later, luck will be on our side.
“Messi said that we had all rowed in the same direction from the first day, that he was very proud of the youngsters for their commitment to this jersey and if they were there and gave what they gave at the Copa America, it was because they more than deserved to be there.
“There was a lot of criticism that he didn’t sing [the national anthem], that he didn’t talk,” Di Maria said.
“This Copa America was different. He proved it. What made me happier was to see how he spoke in front of the group, how he spoke to reporters, what he said. The important thing is that Leo is like this. I like this Messi.”
Regarding the rumors that Lionel Messi is part of the reason why Mauro Icardi is not selected for the Argentina national team, Di Maria said it’s not true.
“It’s always the same thing, it’s always the same jokes. Messi called that they ignore Icardi… Incredible things which we have become accustomed to hearing. Sometimes we think we should come out and deny it but coming out and denying it would be like giving it meaning and making it seem real, it’s useless. We know it and he knows it that ever since his arrival, we have been trying to incorporate him as quickly as possible.
When asked about the source of the rumors:
“I don’t know, ask your colleagues (Di Maria smiles). The only thing that I do is just read (the rumors). And every time I read them, I laugh because it’s always the same jokes that come out. And it’s true that it hurts me because it makes me come out looking like a son of a bitch when it’s the opposite.”
