Argentina 2 Chile 1: Angel Di Maria is man-of-the match hours after death of his grandmother
Former Manchester United star was the hero as he bravely played in Copa America Centenario opener despite tragic news
An emotional Angel Di Maria dedicated Argentina’s victory to his grandmother who tragically passed away just hours night before the match.
The former Manchester United star failed to hold back the tears as he celebrated scoring the opening goal with a t shirt which read: “Grandma I will miss you very much.”
And, after the match, a tearful Di Maria admitted he only played in his country’s Copa America Centenario opener against Chile to make her proud.
He had earlier posted an image of himself with his late grandma on Instagram, accompanied with the emotional message: “Sweet grandma, rest in peace next to grandad. Thank you for having made me so happy and for giving me the values I take forward with me today. I love you with all my heart.”
Argentina have failed to win a major trophy since their last victory in this tournament back in 1993.
Last year, they were beaten finalists as hosts Chile clinched their first-ever title.
Sergio Aguero was joined by Lionel Messi on the bench as the Barcelona star failed to shake of a recent knock.
But manager Gerardo Martino was not short on quality with Gonzalo Higuain and Di Maria in attack.
Nicolas Gaitan, who had replaced Messi in the starting line-up, almost opened the scoring after just two minutes for Argentina when he hit the bar with Di Maria’s cross.
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The Paris Saint-Germain winger was causing mayhem, with all the danger being caused down the left hand side.
Di Maria set up chances for Higuain — who was reportedly being watched by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp — and Marcos Rojo.
However, Sergio Romero was called into action to save from Arsenal ace Alexis Sanchez’s long range effort.
The first-half ended in a stalemate — but it took just six minutes for man-of-the-match Di Maria to change that.
Ever Banega picked out the PSG star, who slotted the ball past Carlos Bravo.
But it was rolls reversed just eight minutes later as Di Maria set the Sevilla midfielder up to put the ball past the Barcelona goalkeeper and all but put the game to bed.
Higuain, Rojo and Lamela all had chances to put the game to bed.
However, Romero’s failure to deal with a Fabian Orellana free-kick allowed Jose Pedro Fuenzalida to net a consolation with virtually the last kick of the game.
An impressive Argentina side will take some stopping as they bid to win their major honour in 23 years.