Di María Given Surprise Ovation During Messi Tribute at Rosario Derby

Angel Di María received an unexpected show of appreciation from Rosario Central fans during a planned tribute to his former Argentina teammate Lionel Messi on Sunday.

The moment came during Rosario Central's 1-1 home draw with Newell's in the city derby, when the match was paused in the 10th minute for a minute of applause honoring Messi, following a request from the Argentina Football Association. Messi announced his retirement from the national team on August 31.

Di María, 38, was among the players on the pitch who joined in the applause as images of Messi were shown on the stadium's big screens. Messi is a boyhood Newell's fan and came through the club's youth system before eventually moving on to Barcelona.

While the tribute was meant for Messi, Rosario Central supporters also turned their applause toward Di María himself, chanting his nickname "Fideo" as the moment unfolded.

Di María and Messi spent 16 years playing together for the Argentina national team, during which they won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles. The pair also played alongside each other at club level for Paris Saint-Germain during the 2021-22 season.

Di María stepped away from international football himself in 2024, finishing his Argentina career with 31 goals in 145 appearances. After spells at Real Madrid and Manchester United, he returned to his boyhood club Rosario Central in 2025, ending an 18-year absence from the team he grew up supporting.