Chance creation
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
São Gonçalo EC RJ · Gaúcho - 1 · Attacker · #19 · Brazil · 26 yrs
Di Maria plays as an attacker for São Gonçalo EC RJ. Di Maria is a Brazilian international, 26 years old, attacker, currently at São Gonçalo EC RJ. Di Maria wears shirt number 19 for São Gonçalo EC RJ. Di Maria was born in Itiquira, Brazil on 1999-01-23. Di Maria is 193 cm tall and weighs 78 kg. Di Maria's Sportra profile tracks season statistics across Gaúcho - 1, Paraibano, Paulista - A2, Copa Do Brasil, and other leagues. Di Maria's page brings together career clubs, trophies, injury history, multi-competition stats, and related news headlines. On Sportra you can explore Di Maria season statistics, transfer history, trophies, injury updates, and related news across every competition tracked in the profile.
| Date | Type | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-05-05 | Free |  Treze TRE |  Grêmio Prudente |
| 2024-01-01 | Free |  Novo Hamburgo HAM | Treze TRE |
| 2023-06-01 | Free |  Boavista SC BOA | Novo Hamburgo HAM |
Season intelligence
Profile as Attacker: balanced output without a single dominant trait. Archetype: Balanced contributor.
Scaled 0–99 from season output — map to fantasy, comparisons, or scouting cards.
Per-90 rates, efficiency ratios, and Sportra indices from season totals.
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Every tracked category for this league and season, grouped by Sportra.
With the focus set on the 2028 Copa America, Argentina FA president casted doubts on the future of Lionel Messi in the national team: "It's his decision." Lionel Messi once again served as Argentina‘s undisputed leader on soccer’s biggest stage during the 2026 World Cup, but questions surrounding his future involvement with the national team remain unresolved. With the 2028 Copa América looming as the next major international tournament, Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia left the decision entirely up to the star forward, stating, “It’s his decision.” In an interview with TyC Sports, Tapia was asked about Messi’s future with the Albiceleste following another memorable World Cup run, delivering a candid response: “It is purely and personal to him, we have to leave him in peace. It was a great World Cup by Leo, we enjoyed it a lot. We have to feel proud, and I enjoyed every moment I could because I saw him on the pitch. Without a doubt, he was the flag bearer of the group in this World Cup, just as he was in every competition where he led this group.” Tapia went on to highlight Messi’s extraordinary track record since Lionel Scaloni assumed control of the bench. “Out of 5 finals, he won 4, and out of 103 matches, 76 won, 19 drawn, 8 lost. If you count from World Cup to World Cup, from 2022 to 2026, we lost two matches: the first one in Qatar against Saudi Arabia, and the last one against Spain. If you sit down and analyze the World Cup he had, for me, the best player in the World Cup final was him. And he was breaking records match after match,” he added. Since Scaloni’s managerial debut against Guatemala in 2018, Argentina has netted 190 total goals, with Messi directly involved in 79 of them, racking up 60 goals and 26 assists to remain the focal point of this golden era. Lautaro Martinez trails him with 40 goals, while Julian Alvarez sits third with 15, emphasizing how vital the Inter Miami superstar remains to his country. AFA president Claudio Tapia hugs Lionel Messi after losing to Spain in the 2026 World Cup Final. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Looking ahead, the team’s primary focus shifts toward the 2028 Copa America, the next major competition on Argentina’s calendar. While Messi will still be under contract with Inter Miami through December of that year, the fact that he will turn 41 during the tournament casts uncertainty over his participation, let alone his availability for the 2030 World Cup. “It is his decision, pure and exclusive to him. He has to feel the desire like he felt (before)… In 2022, you didn’t know if he was going to be here in 2026. He said ‘this is match by match,’ and I think we saw a great version, if not the best version of Leo in this World Cup. I believe we have to leave him in peace, let him keep enjoying what he likes, which is playing football, and let us also keep enjoying, and let him make the decision he believes is right,” Tapia concluded. Comparing Messi’s timeline to Di Maria’s send-off Angel Di Maria established himself as arguably the second most influential player of the Scaloni era, delivering iconic goals in major finals before closing out his international career after the 2024 Copa America. While Messi has yet to announce a final decision, Tapia emphasized that the captain will evaluate his own physical state rather than rushing into retirement. Reflecting on the fitness of Di Maria, who currently plays for Rosario Central, Tapia noted. “Fideo scored important goals, and I saw him play in the local tournament, and he was easily fit to play (in the World Cup). I don’t get into the decisions of the coaching staff, but he also made clear that he was retired from the national team. So one has to be respectful of everything. He felt he was fulfilled.“ When asked whether Messi still possesses that unquenchable drive to keep competing for Argentina, Tapia referenced a shared moment between the two. “I was talking with him about that in a series, about never gi
While Messi’s international career and Scaloni’s position as head coach continue to generate questions, Angel Di Maria believes both figures should remain involved with the national team due to one powerful reason. Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni remain at the center of Argentina’s future debate after another unforgettable World Cup campaign. While Messi’s international career and Scaloni’s position as head coach continue to generate questions, Angel Di Maria believes both figures should remain involved with the national team due to one powerful reason. Although some reports have suggested that Messi may retire from international football after the World Cup final defeat, no official decision has been announced. The possibility of seeing him continue until the 2028 Copa America remains open, especially with his current physical condition allowing him to compete at the highest level. The former La Albiceleste star has called for patience and continuity after the team’s emotional 2026 FIFA World Cup journey ended with a defeat against Spain in the final. According to Di Maria, Messi still has plenty to offer despite turning 39, while Scaloni remains the ideal person to guide a talented group of emerging players. Di Maria wants Messi to continue with Argentina Messi’s future with Argentina has been one of the biggest talking points since the 2026 World Cup final. The captain helped Argentina reach another final and delivered another remarkable tournament, but the 1-0 defeat against Spain increased speculation that his time with the national team could be coming to an end. However, Di Maria believes Messi should decide his own future and continue playing for as long as he feels capable. The former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain winger insists that Messi’s age should not be viewed as a limitation after seeing him perform at the highest level once again. “Leo should continue for as long as he wants. I think he can carry on for many more years,” Di Maria told TNT Sports. The 36-year-old also highlighted Messi’s extraordinary achievements and his ability to remain among football’s elite players despite being in the final stages of his career. “At 39 years old, he has proven he is still one of the best players in history, and there are no limits to his abilities,” Di Maria said. For Di Maria, Messi’s value goes beyond statistics and trophies. The Argentina captain remains a leader inside the dressing room and a symbol for a younger generation that has grown under his influence. The reason Di Maria believes Scaloni must stay While Messi’s future has dominated headlines, Di Maria also addressed the uncertainty surrounding Scaloni. The Argentina coach’s contract situation has created questions about whether he will continue leading the team after building one of the most successful eras in the country’s soccer history. Since taking charge, Scaloni has transformed Argentina into a consistent international powerhouse. Under his leadership, the national team won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America, creating a winning culture that had been missing for decades. Di Maria believes Scaloni’s greatest achievement has been developing a new generation of players capable of carrying Argentina forward. “He is the leader of this Scaloneta and this national team, and I hope he continues. I believe he is building a wonderful generation of young players, and that is something in the national team’s interest,” Di Maria said. The former Argentina winger praised the coach’s ability to create unity within the squad and believes his work is far from complete. “He will know what he wants, but I hope he stays,” Di Maria added.
The veteran defender confirmed his decision after Argentina's heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, closing one of the most successful chapters in the history of the national team while leaving behind a legacy matched by only a select group of soccer icons. Nicolás Otamendi has officially brought the curtain down on his remarkable Argentina career, ending an international journey that spanned 17 years and included World Cup glory alongside Lionel Messi. The veteran defender confirmed his decision after Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, closing one of the most successful chapters in the history of the national team while leaving behind a legacy matched by only a select group of soccer icons. The River Plate defender, who recently returned to his homeland after an accomplished European career, chose to announce his farewell through an emotional social media message. His departure marks the end of an era for Argentina, with one of the squad’s most dependable leaders stepping away after helping guide the national team through its most successful modern period. Otamendi revealed that the World Cup final against Spain would be remembered as the final appearance of his international career. Although Argentina fell 1-0 after extra time, the 38-year-old insisted he leaves with pride rather than regret. On social media, the defender reflected on the emotions surrounding his final match with the national team. “Today I have to write the hardest words of my entire career. Since childhood, I dreamed of wearing the Argentina national team shirt. It was the greatest privilege that football gave me.” Otamendi admitted the ending was painful but said the squad could walk away knowing it fought until the very end. “As it happened, my last match was the World Cup final. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high, because this team fought until the very last second.” A place among Argentina’s greatest Otamendi’s farewell also confirmed another remarkable achievement in his career. He finishes with 139 appearances for Argentina, placing him fifth on the nation’s all-time appearance list behind only Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Ángel Di María, and Javier Zanetti. That milestone highlights the consistency he displayed since making his debut in May 2009, becoming one of the longest-serving players in Argentina’s modern history. Across those appearances, Otamendi scored eight goals and contributed three assists, while representing his country in four FIFA World Cups. He also featured in multiple Copa América tournaments and became one of Lionel Scaloni’s most trusted defenders during Argentina’s golden generation. A career filled with major trophies Otamendi leaves international football with an outstanding list of achievements. He helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, lifted the Copa América twice in 2021 and 2024, captured the 2022 Finalissima, and finished as runner-up at the 2026 World Cup. His performances during the victorious 2022 World Cup campaign established him as one of the team’s defensive leaders. Four years later, he once again helped Argentina reach the final, even though the dream of defending the title ended against Spain. The defender also produced memorable moments throughout his career, including the famous winning goal against Brazil at the Maracanã during World Cup qualifying, a result that handed Brazil its first-ever home defeat in the competition.
Nicolas Otamendi announced his retirement from Argentina with a total of 139 appearances, raising the question of how many caps Lionel Messi has for the national team. Nicolas Otamendi brought his international career to a close following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain, becoming the first player from that squad to formally announce his retirement from the national team. At 38 years old, the defender closes a run with La Albiceleste that stretched back nearly two decades. Otamendi’s farewell inevitably invites comparisons to his longtime teammate Lionel Messi, whose own international career has spanned even longer and produced a far higher number of appearances. While Otamendi walks away with 139 caps, Messi remains the benchmark at the top of Argentina’s all-time list with 207 appearances. The two were teammates through nearly the entirety of Argentina‘s most successful era, sharing the field for a run of titles that redefined the national team’s standing in world football. Otamendi’s departure marks the end of that generation’s presence as an active player, even as Messi’s own future with the team remains a lingering question after this tournament. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida por Twitter Oficial: @Notamendi30 (@nicolasotamendi30) Otamendi’s numbers and titles alongside Messi Otamendi made his Argentina debut on May 20, 2009, in a friendly against Panama under Diego Maradona, going on to make 139 appearances and score 7 goals over more than 17 years with the national team. His true rise to prominence came under Lionel Scaloni, becoming one of the defensive anchors of the most successful cycle in the team’s modern history. Alongside Messi, Otamendi won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa America, a trophy collection matched by very few players in the national team’s history. Argentina’s most capped players of all time With his retirement finalized, here’s where Otamendi lands among Argentina’s most capped players ever: PlayerCapsDebutLionel Messi20708/17/2005Javier Mascherano14707/16/2003Angel Di Maria14509/06/2008Javier Zanetti14311/16/1994Nicolas Otamendi13905/20/2009Roberto Ayala11411/16/1994Diego Simeone10407/14/1988Sergio Aguero10009/02/2006Oscar Ruggeri9705/12/1983Sergio Romero9609/10/2009Rodrigo De Paul9410/11/2018Diego Maradona9002/27/1977
After an emotional ending to the 2026 World Cup, the question surrounding Messi’s international career has become one of soccer’s biggest stories, with the next decision from the Argentina icon carrying enormous weight. The final chapter of Lionel Messi’s World Cup journey arrived with heartbreak, but Argentina has already made its feelings about the legendary captain’s future clear. After an emotional ending to the 2026 World Cup, the question surrounding Messi’s international career has become one of soccer’s biggest stories, with the next decision from the Argentina icon carrying enormous weight. Messi’s sixth World Cup ended with La Albiceleste falling short against Spain in the final, but his performances throughout the tournament reminded the world why he remains one of the greatest players in history. The 2026 World Cup was expected by many to be the 39-year-old’s final appearance on soccer’s biggest stage, especially after he previously admitted that another tournament at his age would be extremely difficult. However, the Argentina captain once again showed that his career cannot be predicted easily, producing one of his best-ever World Cup campaigns at 39 years old. Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, leading Argentina to another World Cup final after already winning the trophy in 2022. Although Spain’s defense limited him in the final, his influence throughout the competition was undeniable. “I don’t know. The truth is, I’m not thinking about that right now. It seems a bit far off but, as I said, I’m living one day at a time and focused on the present,” he said before the tournament. Two teams repeated titles in the past La Albiceleste captain has repeatedly explained that his future depends on his physical condition and whether he can still contribute at the highest level. That approach has kept the door open for another international chapter, even after the disappointment of losing the World Cup final. Argentina has one big wish for Lionel Messi According to Marca, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) hopes Messi will continue with the national team until at least the 2028 Copa America. The tournament would provide another opportunity for Messi to represent Argentina and potentially end his international career on his own terms. “Argentina want Messi to keep wearing the Tango shirt for the foreseeable future,” reported Marca, while noting that nothing has been decided regarding the player’s next move. The timing also fits perfectly with Messi’s current club situation. His contract with Inter Miami runs through 2028, meaning the Copa America could become a realistic final international tournament if he chooses to continue. MIAMI GAAngel Di Maria, Lionel Messi and Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina celebrate with the trophy after the team’s victory in the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Final Argentina’s next major challenge after the World Cup will be preparing for the upcoming international calendar, including friendly matches and future competitions. With the team already qualified for the 2030 World Cup as one of the symbolic hosts alongside Paraguay and Uruguay, Messi would not need to carry the same qualifying burden if he remains involved. Messi’s emotional World Cup farewell creates more questions The scenes after the World Cup final only increased speculation about Messi’s future. After Spain defeated Argentina, Messi collected his runner-up medal before breaking down in tears as he walked away from the pitch at MetLife Stadium. The emotional reaction showed how much the tournament meant to Messi, even though his legacy was already secure before the final whistle. He had transformed his international career after years of criticism and helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2021, the Finalissima in 2022, the World Cup in 2022 and another Copa America in 2024. MESSI CRYING LMFAOOOO pic.twitter.com/ARynADgPDW— ⭐︎ (@satorutismz) July 19, 2026 Could Messi continue until 2030 World Cup? A
Switzerland face Argentina in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, with a place in the semifinals on the line. The final quarterfinal of the 2026 World Cup takes place at Kansas City Stadium, where Switzerland and defending champions Argentina meet for a place in the semifinals. Switzerland head into this match ranked 14th in the FIFA World Rankings, with 1,710.88 points, a position they’ve earned throughout the tournament. Murat Yakin’s men went unbeaten across their four matches so far, opening with a draw against Qatar on Matchday 1 before picking up wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada to close out the group stage. They then cruised past Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32, and needed a penalty shootout to see off Colombia in the Round of 16 following a goalless draw. Standing in their way is an Argentina side ranked 3rd in the world, with 1,925.15 points. Lionel Scaloni’s men topped Group J with a perfect nine points, then survived an extra-time scare against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 before pulling off a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. Switzerland players react during the penalty shootout vs Colombia. (Getty Images) Switzerland chasing history Beyond the ranking gap, there’s a bigger prize on the line for Switzerland,as a win would send them into the semifinals for the first time since 1954, snapping a 72-year drought at this stage of the tournament. Argentina and Switzerland’s head-to-head record History strongly favors Argentina heading into the quarterfinal clash. The two nations have met twice at the World Cup, and Switzerland have never beaten Argentina in either meeting. The first came at the 1966 World Cup in England, where Argentina defeated Switzerland 2-0 at the group stage. The second came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Argentina needed until the 118th minute of extra time to break the deadlock, with a strike from Angel Di Maria sending them through to the quarterfinals on their way to the final that year.
Argentina will face off against Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the game live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Argentina vs Switzerland on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Argentina vs Switzerland WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT • Saturday, July 11, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview The reigning world champions Argentina continue their title defense in a high-stakes quarter-final clash against a disciplined Switzerland side. La Albiceleste have walked a tightrope through the knockout stages, requiring a dramatic late comeback to overcome Egypt 3-2 after being down two goals. Their journey has been a testament to their resilience and the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi, but it has also exposed moments of vulnerability that Switzerland will be eager to exploit. Switzerland enters this match as the clear underdog, but with a quiet confidence built on defensive solidity. They secured their spot in the last eight for the first time since 1954 by grinding out a penalty-shootout victory over Colombia after a tense 0-0 draw. Having kept clean sheets in both of their knockout fixtures, Murat Yakin‘s squad has proven they are organized, tough to break down, and possess the tactical discipline to frustrate even the most potent attacks. Tactical Analysis & Match Context This quarter-final presents a classic clash of styles. Argentina, on a 12-match winning streak, has dominated possession throughout the tournament, averaging over 60% of the ball. Their strategy revolves around controlling the tempo and creating opportunities for their world-class attackers. However, their path has been anything but smooth, with narrow victories against Cape Verde and Egypt highlighting a dependence on late-game heroics rather than comfortable dominance. In contrast, Switzerland‘s success has been built on a foundation of defensive organization. They were tactically astute against Colombia, neutralizing their attack and forcing the game into a war of attrition. While they struggled to create chances themselves, generating a meager 0.07 expected goals (xG), their primary objective will be to replicate that defensive structure. Expect the Swiss to sit deep, absorb pressure, and look to disrupt Argentina‘s rhythm with a physical approach. The motivations for both teams are starkly different. For Argentina, the pressure is immense as they carry the weight of being defending champions. Anything less than another title would be seen as a disappointment. For Switzerland, this is a golden opportunity to make history. Having already exceeded expectations by reaching this stage, they can play with a degree of freedom, knowing that a victory would be a monumental achievement for the nation. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends Historically, Argentina has had the upper hand in this fixture. The two nations have met twice before at the World Cup, with Argentina emerging victorious on both occasions. The first encounter was a 2-0 group stage win in 1966, but the more recent matchup provides a more relevant benchmark for what to expect in this game. In the Round of 16 of the 2014 tournament, Switzerland held Argentina to a 0-0 stalemate through 90 minutes, frustrating them with a disciplined defensive performance. It took a moment of magic from Angel Di Maria late in extra time to finally break the deadlock and send Argentina through. This history suggests that another tightly contested, low-scoring affair is highly probable. Broader trends also favor the South American side. Argentina has an excellent record against European opposition, having lost just one of their last 10 fixtures against UEFA teams. Conversely, Switzerland has historically struggled against CONMEBOL opponents at the tournament, winning just one of their 10 matches in 90 minutes. While
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
