The Day Angel Di Maria Became An Angel

May 24, 2014, Lisbon,

Real Madrid had a very hard task at hand that day. There had been no Champions League titles for almost a decade. This time in the final, the opponent were Madrid's very own cross town rivals, Atletico Madrid. In the city of Lisbon that day, the spectators saw a speed storm. That match has left a mark in the minds of Madrid fans for the creation of Sergio Ramos' 'Ramos Time'. Those who have watched the match very carefully, know about the havoc that was wrecked by a skinny guy wearing the white number 22. Madrid won the match 4-1, but that number 22 didn't register a single goal or assist. But at the end of the 120th minute, Sir Alex Ferguson handed over the player of the match award to the player wearing that number. This would be an explanation of on what form he was that day.

In the 108th or so minute of the match, when the player on the left flank dribbled past three Atletico Madrid players into the box, it became clear that he had came with the best form of his life that day. It was as if a Greek god of speed had entered Lisbon from Greece that day. On that day, in Lisbon, Angel Di Maria was drawing the tenth title of Madrid with a paintbrush. The player wearing the number 22 jersey is none other than Angel Di Maria.

Di Maria is a big match player in Argentina or in the club. In life he has played big matches, all the matches have left a mark on the minds of the fans. The capital of Bolivia is La Paz, the highest city in the world from sea level. Players are given oxygen before playing in that match, because it is difficult to breathe there. And playing 90 minutes of football there is anarchy. Even there people saw an exceptional scene, that skinny guy from Argentina is stepping on full strength in 90 minutes in La Paz. He showed no sign of tiredness. From that day on, a new term was added to it in football for him, 'possessing three lungs'. Only Di Maria has that many.

Was talking about Di Maria' Big game, 23rd August 2008, Olympic Final, Argentina won the gold medal for the second time in that final between Argentina and Nigeria with the goal of Di Maria. Di Maria brought the gold medal to Argentina in Beijing with a goal in the 58th minute.

Fast forward to just a few months ago. On July 10, 2021, Brazil faced Argentina, the Copa America final, in Maracana, Brazil's most famous stadium. In fact the world's most famous stadium. On one hand, there is Argentina who have been without an international trophy for 28 years, and on the other, there is Brazil, as usual form. Argentina's tight defense had been going on from the start of the Maracana match. De Paul sent the ball from midfield towards the final third of Brazil's end to Angel Di Maria at 21st minute of the game. It's the ideal place for Di Maria, Di Maria has a lot of goals from this place. I don't know what was going on in Di Maria's mind during the 22nd minute, but after getting the ball, maybe a 28 year summary came in front of him like the millions of Argentine fans waiting for some silverware. Di Maria did not disappoint, just like an Angel, as the name implies, landed in Maracana for Argentina, fans of the azure white jersey, gently chipping away at Ederson's head.

Goal.

‘Angel Di Mariaaaaaa’

Angel Di Maria did not disappoint, he ended the 28 year wait that day by becoming an 'Angel'.

1992,

At just four years old, Angel Di Maria joined Rosario Central from the local club Torito, giving him 35 footballs as a transfer fee to Rosario Central

2021,

Angel Di Maria ended Argentina's 28 years wait in the most unlikeliest places of all maybe. In the temple of football of their arch rivals. In Maracana, Brazil.