Di María shines at Central, calls grow for Argentina return | OneFootball

The great current form of Ángel Di María at Rosario Central, with goals, assists, and leadership, has reignited the call on social media for him to wear the albiceleste jersey again.

The return of Ángel Di María to Rosario Central was neither a nostalgic gesture nor a symbolic closure. Since he returned to the club of his dreams to navigate the final stage of his career, Fideo has shown a consistent level that quickly put his name back into discussion within the Argentine football ecosystem. And with that, a question that seemed closed reappeared: Is Di María ready to return to the Argentine national team and play in the 2026 World Cup?

The data is the first support for the debate. Since his return to Arroyito, Di María has played 22 matches with the canalla jersey — missing only one — scored ten goals, and provided four assists. He is also one of the key pieces of the canalla team both in the era of Ariel Holan and currently under Jorge Almirón.

Beyond the records, Fideo's impact is perceived in offensive fluidity, decision-making, and an influence that goes beyond statistics. His speed, ability to break through one-on-one, and game reading remain intact in a context — Argentine football — that offers no advantages.

The Support of a World Champion

The most resonant request did not come from a virtual stand but from a voice with historical weight. Ubaldo Fillol, world champion in 1978, posted a video on his Instagram account in which he analyzed Di María's current form and was categorical.

"I see Di María doing well. Comparing him to Leo Messi, Leo is in a league that is not very competitive, and Argentine football is extremely competitive. They don't give you anything, they don't give you space, everything is contested, and he's doing very well. He's fast, sharp, he scores goals…," said Pato, before taking it a step further.

Fillol claimed to have learned of informal contacts from within the national team. "I found out that the coaching staff and some players are trying to get him back to the national team. From what I see today, he has to be there to play, without any doubt," he stated. He even hinted at a feeling: that Di María could be convinced to play in the next World Cup.

The Announced Retirement and a Farewell Befitting History

The debate inevitably clashes with a decision made. Di María retired from the national team after winning the Copa América 2024 and had his formal farewell in September, at the Monumental stadium, during the 3-0 victory against Chile in the South American Qualifiers.

On several occasions, he made it clear that he felt the cycle was complete. He reaffirmed it a few weeks ago in an interview with the newspaper As: "It's not that I don't want to, it's that I think I completed a cycle. I achieved everything I wanted, there's a young generation coming up behind, and I think it was time to leave it. After the Qatar World Cup, I had already made the decision, and the guys convinced me to play the last Copa América. It ended like a movie, being champions, and it was my moment. Now it's up to others."

His exit was also through a door difficult to match: 145 matches, 31 goals, and 32 assists, two Copa Américas, the 2022 Finalissima, the Olympic gold in Beijing 2008, the U-20 World Cup, and the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Social Media and the Popular Demand

While Di María remains focused on Central — with a contract until June 30 — requests have multiplied on social media for him to reconsider his decision ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Fans from different clubs, journalists, and public figures joined the clamor. TyC Sports journalist Rodolfo Cingolani was direct: "Scaloni has to convince Di María to return to the Argentine National Team and play in the next World Cup. We need him."

In the same vein, Infobae journalist Ricardo Acciardi wrote: "Rosario Central defeated Barracas with a great goal by Di María and a great performance, showing that he is ready for the National Team."

The businessman and former deputy Alberto Samid was even more emphatic in an extensive post on X: "Someone has to go to Rosario to talk to Di María. Yesterday he played again at a very high level. He needs to know that he has to play in the next World Cup. There are no completed cycles. Ask Messi, who in 2016 put aside his personal decision because the national team needed him. If Messi came back… how is Di María not going to come back? There's no one in his position who plays better than him. Garnacho was a summer. Nico González, very left-footed. Angel, Jorgelina: there's a new wall in the way. Put aside personal issues and join the collective dream. We have to go to the United States to become champions. For Maradona, who loved you so much. For Messi, who loves you so much."

Di María, Central, and Enjoying the Present

After the 2-0 victory against Barracas Central this Sunday at the Gigante de Arroyito, Di María spoke again from an introspective place. "It's nice when you live these moments. I'm enjoying Rosario, Argentine football, the day-to-day, and I show it on the field," he said.

He acknowledged that it was one of his best matches since his return, in a position that suits him, and explained that the enjoyment goes beyond football. When asked about the National Team and the World Cup, he avoided giving definitive answers. "I'm doing very well, things are going my way, and I enjoy the day-to-day. The affection from the people is very nice… I enjoy my family, the club, and Rosario, which is something I had been looking forward to for a long time," he stated.

The Leadership Within the Canalla

Within the squad, Di María's impact is unanimous. Alejo Véliz described him as "unique." Gastón Ávila highlighted the calm he transmits: "You give him the ball, and you feel calm seeing it at his feet." Enzo Giménez focused on the human aspect: "He deserves to be happy for everything he gives us and everything he has given to Argentines." Julián Fernández spoke of the privilege of sharing the field, and Enzo Copetti summed up the group's sentiment by describing him as a "pride."

Coach Jorge Almirón was even clearer: "He is the leader and captain of the team. He's there day-to-day, and his teammates follow him; beyond what he plays and transmits, he gives the team security." He also highlighted the quick partnership he built with Chilean Vicente Pizarro.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.