Di Maria explains decision to snub Lionel Messi reunion

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 15:16 - 08 July 2023

Angel Di Maria turned down a move to MLS Inter Miami to return to his first European club Benfica.

Argentine legend Angel Di Maria was presented to thousands of Benfica fans as he returned to the club where he made his European bow after leaving Rosario.

Di Maria snubs Messi for Benfica

Scenes at the Estádio da Luz for Ángel Di María's Benfica presentation 🤯

(via @B24PT)pic.twitter.com/BeeJtpDStB
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 6, 2023

The 35-year-old had several proposals after deciding to leave Juventus, with one of them being a transfer to MLS side Inter Miami, where he could have teamed up with fellow Argentine Lionel Messi.

Ángel Di María's Benfica career by numbers:

◉ 124 games
◉ 15 goals
◉ 2x Taça de Portugal
◉ 1x Primeira Liga

After 13 years away, ADM is back in Lisbon. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/HkLMIs4RqM
— Squawka (@Squawka) July 5, 2023

Di Maria enjoys a close relationship with Messi and surprised many with his decision not to reunite with his national team captain.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United man revealed why he decided to snub a chance to play with Messi again.

"I had many proposals, not only from the United States but I had the illusion, the desire, and the enthusiasm to return home. Honestly, I chose with my heart. That is the truth"

Di Maria will join close friend and compatriot Nicolas Otamendi, his teammate for Argentina in last year's World Cup-winning campaign, in Portugal.