Di Maria's poignant reaction after Argentina's defeat against France

After France's victory against Argentina, Di Maria spoke on Instagram.

Avoiding commenting on the incidents that occurred at the end of the match, the former PSG player simply encouraged the Albiceleste selection. “You represented us very well. We deserved much more, but we continue”he posted in a story on his Instagram account.

The French team qualified for the semi-finals of the Olympic tournament in Paris on August 2, 2024, by beating Argentina in Bordeaux by a score of one goal to zero, in a tense atmosphere that led to clashes on the field at the end of the match. Les Bleus will face Egypt on August 5, 2024 in Lyon for a place in the final.

The end of the game between France and Argentina was eventful, with players from both teams coming to blows at the final whistle. The incidents earned French midfielder Enzo Millot a red card, a rare sight in an Olympic setting. “I don't want to get into that debate.”said Thierry Henry, preferring to talk about football, just like his Argentinian counterpart Javier Mascherano, who did not mention the clashes after the match.

“Our players suffered a lot of provocations in this game”said Philippe Diallo, president of the Federation, on Radio France.

Tensions between the two nations have remained palpable since Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, which saw controversial celebrations by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and racist chants by some Argentinian fans and players against French footballers.

Friday's match came two weeks after FIFA announced an investigation into racist and homophobic chants targeting Kylian Mbappe and other Bleus, which were captured on video by Albiceleste players after their Copa America victory in mid-July.

The Argentine Olympic team was greeted in a hostile atmosphere, with its anthem booed by the public.