Di Maria Puzzled By Omission From Argentina Squad

Paris Saint Germain winger Angel Di Maria has been left puzzled by his omission from the Argentina squad for FIFA World Cup qualifying matches next month.

Di Maria Puzzled By Omission From Argentina Squad

Di Maria’s name was conspicuously missing when Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni announced his preliminary 30-man squad for October’s games against Ecuador and Bolivia.

The 32-year-old’s snub was particularly surprising given he has been in top form for PSG over the last few months.

He played a pivotal role as the Parisians reached the UEFA Champions League final last month and has started the current campaign brilliantly with one goal in three league games despite testing positive for coronavirus earlier this month and missing much of pre-season.

"I can't find an explanation, I have no words. Argentina's national team is the most important for me," Di Maria told radio show Closs Continental about not being included in the squad.

"If I work my ass off at PSG it is to have a chance in the national team and be able to compete. It's difficult to understand that being in a good moment I am not called.

"If I'm not called it's because they don't want to call me. I'll keep fighting to be in Argentina's national team.

"Am I old at 32? Many people say that I am already old, but I am 32 and I keep running in the same way, in every game I show that I'm not old, and I can be at the level of Neymar and [Kylian] Mbappe."

Di Maria has won 102 caps and scored 20 goals since making his Argentina debut in 2008.