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

Ángel Di María's outstanding performance at Rosario Central, with goals, assists, and leadership, has reignited the call on social media for him to wear the national team jersey again.

Ángel Di María's return to Rosario Central was neither a nostalgic gesture nor a symbolic closure. Since he returned to the club he loves to play the final stage of his career, Fideo has shown a consistent level that quickly brought his name back into discussion within the Argentine football ecosystem. And with that, a question that seemed closed has resurfaced: 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 players for the Canalla team both in Ariel Holan's era and currently under Jorge Almirón.

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

The Support of a World Champion

The most resonant call 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 analyzing Di María's current form and was categorical.

“I see Di María doing well. Comparing him with Leo Messi, Leo is in a league that is not very competitive, and Argentine football is extremely competitive. They give you nothing, no space, everything is contested, and he is doing very well. He is fast, sharp, and has goals…”, said Pato, before going a step further.

Fillol claimed to have heard of informal contacts from within the national team. “I heard that the coaching staff and some players are reaching out to him to return to the national team. From what I see today, he should be playing, 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 Worthy of History

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

He has repeatedly made it clear that he feels his cycle is complete. He reaffirmed this a few weeks ago in an interview with As newspaper: “It's not that I don't want to, it's that I believe my cycle is complete. I achieved everything I wanted, a young generation is coming up, and I think it was time to step aside. 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 their turn.”

His departure was also through a door hard 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 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Social Media and the Popular Demand

While Di María remains focused on Central —with a contract until June 30—, social media has seen a surge in calls for him to reconsider his decision ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Fans from different clubs, journalists, and public figures have 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.”

Similarly, Infobae journalist Ricardo Acciardi wrote: “Rosario Central defeated Barracas with a great goal from Di María and a great performance, proving he is ready for the National Team.”

Businessman and former deputy Alberto Samid was even more emphatic in a lengthy post on X: “Someone needs to go to Rosario to talk to Di María. Yesterday he played at a very high level again. 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 returned… how could Di María not return? There is no one in his position who plays better than him. Garnacho was a summer. Nico González, very left-footed. Angel, Jorgelina: there is 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 over 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, day by day, and I show it on the field,” he said.

He acknowledged 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 each day. The affection from the people is very nice… I enjoy my family, the club, and Rosario, which is something I had been waiting for a long time,” he stated.

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 conveys: “You give him the ball and feel calm seeing it at his feet.” Enzo Giménez focused on the human aspect: “He deserves to be happy for all he gives us and all 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 calling him a “pride.”

Coach Jorge Almirón was even clearer: “He is the leader and captain of the team. He is there day by day, and his teammates follow him; beyond what he plays and conveys, 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.