Argentina's national football team coach, Lionel Scaloni, spoke highly of forward Ángel Di María, who will be honored before the upcoming World Cup qualifier match against Chile. Scaloni praised Di María as "one of the greatest in history" and emphasized the "indelible legacy" he has left behind.

During a press conference at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) complex in Ezeiza, Scaloni discussed the tribute that "El Fideo" will receive ahead of the Argentina-Chile match, which marks the seventh round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Di María retired from the national team after the Copa América in the United States.

Scaloni noted that the former Real Madrid and PSG player "has been one of the best footballers in the history of the national team and has left an indelible legacy," adding that Di María "deserves to be honored by his people, with his people, in Argentina, and that's exactly what he will get."

"Everyone should take inspiration from what he's done: never giving up, never surrendering, overcoming difficult moments—that's what life and football are all about. Beyond the titles, he's left an indelible legacy and, in addition to that, he's a spectacular guy with influence in the group," Scaloni said.

The coach credited Di María's persistence and attitude for securing his place in the national team, noting that he never gave up, never showed frustration, and understood the significance of playing for the national team, regardless of whether he was called up or how many minutes he played.

When asked about Di María's place in the hierarchy of Argentine football, Scaloni admitted he couldn't say for certain but confidently stated, "He's definitely one of the best in history." "The best part is that he's a part of history and has brought us immense joy in recent times," Scaloni added.

Scaloni made it clear that he never considered having Di María play only 11 minutes of the match, referencing his jersey number. "The initial idea was for him to play the last match fully, however long it took. The match is important enough to be treated that way," Scaloni said, emphasizing that "the opponent must be respected, and that idea was never on the table."

Despite this, Scaloni mentioned that the Benfica player "was clear" about his decision and didn't want to wear the jersey again after winning the 2022 World Cup, two Copa Américas (2021 and 2024), and the 2022 Finalissima, all under Scaloni's leadership.

"It's been a storybook ending," Scaloni added. He also mentioned River Plate goalkeeper Franco Armani, who announced this week that his time with the Argentine national team has come to an end.

"Everyone remembers the penalty save against Paraguay in 2019. But I don't just focus on that. I remember a spectacular legacy, a guy who was extremely loved in the group, very professional, and always pushed forward, even when he wasn't playing. He was incredibly important," Scaloni concluded.

Argentina, leading the qualifiers with 15 points from 6 matches, faces a doubleheader this week in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup: first at home against Chile and then away against Colombia.