Angel di Maria's retirement hint? Argentina legend says Cup final to be his final game for Benfica

Argentina legend Angel di Maria will not have another season with Benfica in Portugal next season, the attacker confirmed after the club failed to win the Liga Portugal following a 1-1 draw at Braga on Saturday. The tie meant that Benfica finished two points below champions Sporting.

 

The 37-year-old, who retired from international soccer last year after making 145 appearances for Argentina, has spent five years at Benfica in two spells, having re-joined the club in 2023 after playing for Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris St Germain and Juventus. "It hurts a lot to end this way after such a long year. It was my last championship match with this shirt and I'm proud to have been able to wear it again," Di Maria wrote on Instagram.

 

"There's still a final on Sunday and we're going to go there with all our desire and joy to win it. Together as always. Thanks for your support, Benfica fans."

 

Benfica play Sporting in the final of the Portuguese Cup on May 25, before kicking off their Club World Cup campaign on June 16. Di Maria, whose contract runs until June 30 according to media reports, did not say if he will play in the Club World Cup. Neither was it immediately known if he was hinting at retirement plans at the end of the season. A homecoming to a former club is found the best way by many professional footballers to bring the curtains down on illustrious careers. Some others, however, decide to have brief spells at lesser competitive yet rich leagues before finally calling it a day. Many believe Angel Di Maria may decide against having another stint after the Cup final.

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