“About to carry Messi”, “Greatest player in my opinion” - Fans thrilled as Argentina attacker named in starting line-up with Lionel Messi vs Canada

Fans are thrilled as Lionel Messi’s national teammate Ángel Di María has been named in Argentina's starting XI against Canada in the 2024 Copa América. This year's tournament is held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 20.

La Albiceleste have claimed the Copa América title 15 times, with the last one being in 2021.

Fans took to social media and shared their excitement about the 36-year-old being named in the starting line-up. While some fans hailed Ángel Di María's gameplay and contribution to the Argentine squad, some even suggested he could outshine Messi.

Here are some reactions on X:

One fan wrote:

"The greatest player in my opinion"

Another added:

"Di Maria about to carry Messi again"

"I love it when he starts," chimed in another fan.

One account posted:

"Di maria surely has a goal today"

Another said:

"When Di Maria and Messi start, it’s box office. 10:00am kick off for us, about time we get a friendly kick off time.."

"Might stay up and watch Di Maria and Messi. The best telepathic pair I have watched in football is coming to a glorious end.," posted another.

One user wrote:

"di maria is definitely carrying this team"

While another added:

"The person who told me Di Maria has retired really worried me"

Argentina and Canada, along with Peru and Chile, have been sorted into Group A for the 2024 Copa America.

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Argentina national team head coach opens up about Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria ahead of Copa America opener

Speaking to the media ahead of their opening match in the 2024 Copa America match against Canada, Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni opened up about Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria and his experience coaching them. He said (via GOAL):

"It is a pleasure to see them train and play, how they give themselves. I am not worried about the future of Messi and Di Maria. It doesn't make much sense to think about when they're gone. Let's enjoy them now, we'll see what happens later. Messi is fine, he's happy. I have renewed ideas and strength. It's a nice challenge to defend the title."

Di Maria recently announced that he will be retiring from international football this summer, with the 2024 Copa America 2024 being his final tournament. He has netted 31 goals for Argentina in 140 appearances among which 108 have been with Lionel Messi.