The dream many followers held of seeing two World Cup champions reunited on American soil has simply slipped away. Whereas Inter Miami was actively pursuing the signing of Angel Di Maria, aiming to pair him as soon as once more with Lionel Messi, the 37-year-old Argentine has decided on the place he’ll proceed his profession—and it’s a return to the place all of it started.
Regardless of his age, Di Maria is exhibiting no indicators of slowing down. At present wrapping up a powerful marketing campaign with Benfica, the place he’s anticipated to be topped Portuguese champion this weekend, the winger isn’t utilizing the title as a swan music. As an alternative, he’s making ready for another soccer journey—a transfer stuffed with emotion and function, away from Europe’s elite highlight.
For a time, all indicators pointed to Miami. With the FIFA Membership World Cup set to happen in the US from June 14 to July 13, Inter Miami, beneath David Beckham’s management, has been working to fortify its squad. Di Maria was seen not simply as a marquee identify, however as the proper match for his or her ambitions and a possible reunion with Messi—a partnership that introduced glory to Argentina on the 2022 World Cup.
Experiences from TNT Sports activities Argentina urged that Inter Miami was actively pursuing Di Maria’s signature, eyeing the MLS summer time switch window (July 24 to August 21) to finalize the deal.
The Herons had hoped to wrap up negotiations earlier than the Membership World Cup, making certain that the veteran might be part of proper after the match. The membership was stated to be working urgently to keep away from dropping him to rival suitors.
Emotional pull of house
However amid the hypothesis, one membership by no means left Di Maria’s coronary heart. That membership—Rosario Central—was quietly making ready a proposal that no European energy or MLS franchise might match in sentiment. This Thursday, famend journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed it: “Angel Di Maria has formally signed contracts to affix Rosario Central.”
🚨💙💛 Ángel Di Maria has signed in as new Rosario Central participant, again to his boyhood membership in Argentina.
After a implausible worldwide profession, World Cup winner Di Maria returns house.
“Our story collectively has extra pages to jot down,” Rosario Central’s adopted on their official X (previously Twitter) account, sealing the long-awaited return of certainly one of Argentina’s most beloved gamers.
Nuestra historia juntos tiene más páginas por escribir 💙💛
Rosario Central, the place Di Maria’s skilled journey started, will now turn out to be the stage for its grand finale. Although the official presentation will happen after the Membership World Cup, the town is already buzzing in anticipation.
Promise fulfilled
Di Maria’s return is greater than a soccer switch—it’s a promise saved. He had lengthy expressed the will to conclude his profession at the Gigante de Arroyito, however previous efforts have been thwarted by problems, together with safety issues and threats to his household that paused talks in 2024. Now, with these obstacles behind him, Di Maria is coming house.
The settlement spans one season, with an choice to increase, and his debut is predicted throughout the Clausura Event when Rosario Central hosts Godoy Cruz. The event guarantees to be a nationwide celebration, honoring a participant who introduced Argentina glory and whose membership loyalty by no means pale.