Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport

Former Manchester United midfielder Angel Di Maria has revealed Lionel Messi brought the Argentine squad to tears with a heartfelt speech after their recent semi-final defeat to Brazil.

The speech came during the 2019 Copa America held in Brazil this summer after Argentina’s difficult loss to the host country in the semi-finals.

Di Maria said: “He said he was proud of the group, that we had all been very together and it seemed as if we had been playing together for years, we all went in the same direction.

“He thanked the young players and told them that if they were in the squad it was because they deserved it.”

Di Maria was referring to the fact that several players in the Argentine national squad that played in the Copa America were young and did not have a lot of experience playing for the country.

Di Maria went on to say: “After he finished talking everybody was crying because it got to everyone, especially the young guys.”

Di Maria also revealed the speech shows Messi “is different” in how much he now speaks to the squad.

He said: “They used to tell him he did not lead, that he did not speak; this Copa America was different. I liked how he spoke to the group and journalists.

“It was fundamental for the young players. You could tell it touched them after we were knocked out of the tournament by Brazil. The most important thing is Messi is like that. I really like this Messi.”

Brazil ended up winning the tournament being crowned Copa America champions for the ninth time in their history after beating Peru 3-1 in the final.

Argentina finished third after defeating Chile 2-1 in a match where Messi was sent off for a scuffle with Chilen defender Gary Medel who also received a red card.

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