Angel Di Maria admits future is uncertain following Rosario Central Copa Libertadores exit

Rosario saw their Copa Libertadores dreams dashed following a 1-0 defeat to Corinthians in the second leg of their round-of-16 tie in midweek. An 80th-minute winner from Breno Bidon sealed a 1-0 aggregate triumph for the Brazilian giants, booking their passage into the quarter-finals. The painful exit proved a bitter pill to swallow for Di Maria, who is now left evaluating his playing future at the age of 38.

The former Real Madrid star was left devastated by his side's profligacy in front of goal and admitted he needs time to reflect on his next move. Speaking in his post-match interview, Di Maria acknowledged: "It's a tough moment because my dream was different, my desire was to be able to continue. We should have scored one or two goals, but we didn't take our chances. At home, we could have won by one or more goals. Now I'll have to think and see what I want to keep doing."

That candid admission signals a defining crossroads for the veteran attacker following an illustrious European career with Benfica, Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus. Nicknamed El Fideo, he also cemented iconic status on the international stage by scoring in the finals of the Copa America, Finalissima, and the 2022 World Cup. A romantic return to his boyhood club in July 2025 was meant to provide a fairytale ending, but this continental heartbreak has intensified talk of potential retirement.

The Argentine side must quickly dust themselves down and refocus on domestic duties to lift squad morale following their continental heartbreak. Di Maria is set to use the coming weeks to consult his family and club chiefs before deciding whether to play on. Though the 145-cap veteran remains contracted until June 2027, how quickly he processes this exit will shape Rosario's season.