Former Argentina winger Angel Di Maria made a Lionel Messi reference after scoring a free-kick in Rosario Central’s Supercopa International win over Estudiantes on Saturday (September 26).
Alexis Castro’s first-minute opener for Estudiantes was cancelled out by Di Maria midway through the first period with an exquisite free-kick, evoking memories of Messi’s effort against the USMNT in Copa America.
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The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner scored from the spot on the cusp of half-time to give Rosario the lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Julian Fernandez applied the coup de grace deep in stoppage as Di Maria and Co. won the Supercopa for the first time.
About his free-kick goal against Estudiantes, Angel Di Maria – who returned to Rosario last summer – said about how he watched Messi’s effort against the USMNT and drew confidence that he could also emulate it:
“Before I took the free kick, Messi’s free-kick goal against the United States in the 2016 Copa América popped up in my mind. And then I said to myself: ‘Alright, I’ll try to execute it that way, why not? I’m not Messi, but maybe it’ll work,’ and sure enough, it did.”
“So, to draw inspiration from him is something truly beautiful. He’s the greatest player in history, and honestly, I’m thrilled that I managed to score the goal.”
Messi’s aforementioned effort against the USMNT came in the 2016 centenario edition of the Copa America, hosted by the United States, with Argentina winning the game 4-0 to reach the final.
The Argentine’s 32nd-minute curling effort into the top corner from 25 yards out was his 55th goal in international football, taking him past Gabriel Batistuta to become the Albiceleste’s all-time top scorer.
Recap of Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi’s performances in 2022 FIFA World Cup final
Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria played key roles as Argentina beat France on penalties after a pulsating 3-3 draw after extra time in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, ending a 36-year title drought.
Messi broke the deadlock from the spot against the holders midway through the first period before Di Maria doubled the Albiceleste’s advantage nine minutes before the break.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice in as many minutes late on to force extra time, where he completed his hat-trick from the spot in the 118th minute to force penalties, where Messi and Co. reigned supreme, winning 4-2.
Edited by Bhargav
