Di Maria & Messi won Copa America but won't reunite in MLS, the Inter Miami star that's relieved there is no reunion

Angel Di Maria has retired from the Argentina national team after playing his final match in the Copa America final against Colombia almost two weeks ago. The Argentine legend also may have played his final match with his long-time friend Lionel Messi. Many fans hope for the two to continue playing together, but now, since the national team is no longer possible, there was hope that Di Maria will join Messi at the club level again.

Di Maria was rumored heavily to join Inter Miami either this summer or next year since his contract with Benfica expires this summer. He was even rumored to play in Argentina again, but now he will return to Benfica and play in Portugal for another season.

Julian Gressel, an Inter Miami player, spoke about the rumors that Di Maria could potentially join Inter Miami to be Messi's teammate at the club level again after the two were together at Paris Saint Germain. Gressel said, "I'm a little surprised that it didn't happen because Messi is just kinda getting the band back together. I mean on the bright side, Di Maria would have stolen just assists from Julian Gressel." The Amercian player was joking but he knows that it would been more difficult to get minutes if the World Champion arrived at the club.

• 

  Recommended

  What Messi causes, the incredible measure an MLS team took regarding Lionel's injury

Di Maria decided to stay another season at Benfica as the Portuguese club wanted him to stay and the World Cup winner accepted the proposal. The Portuguese club hold a special place for Di Maria since it was the first club that the Argentine player played at in Europe. Di Maria was given a special welcome back by the Benfica fans last summer.

Benfica's manager, Roger Schmidt, spoke highly of Di Maria staying for another season at the club after rejecting other offers like the MLS or potentially even playing in Saudi Arabia. Schmidt said, "I'm very happy for Ángel [Di María]. I could have gone after more money. He made the decision to return to the club where it all started in Europe. If you saw him every day in training… He’s an example for all the players.”

• 

  Recommended

  He was the villian for Cristiano Ronaldo at the Euros but was present to see Messi lifting another trophy with Argentina

Di Maria's 23/24 season with Benfica

Angel Di Maria played a total of 48 matches with Benfica this past season across all competitions. He scored 17 goals and provided 15 assists for the team across all competitions. In Liga Portugal, he scored nine goals and provided 11 assists.