Dream Return With a Bittersweet Ending

After 18 years away, Ángel Di María made his official return to Rosario Central. The World Cup champion delivered an emotional and impactful performance, scoring a penalty before being forced off due to injury in the 1-1 draw against Godoy Cruz in the opening round of the Torneo Clausura.

The celebration began well before kickoff. Fireworks, tributes from the Argentine Football Association and Rosario Central, a heartfelt video, and his entrance onto the field with daughters Mía and Pía made for a moving reception at the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito.

On the field, the former Benfica, Real Madrid, Juventus, PSG, and Manchester United winger showed high energy and involvement, leading the attack for the Canalla side just two weeks after playing with Benfica in the Club World Cup Round of 16 against Chelsea.

Goal, Celebration, and Concern

The emotional high point came in the 78th minute when Di María calmly converted a penalty after a foul on Alejo Véliz, who also returned to the club from Europe. He celebrated with his trademark heart gesture and waved his jersey, which earned him a yellow card from referee Pablo Dóvalo.

However, just ten minutes later, a painful twist changed the mood. A seemingly accidental stamp by Vicente Poggi on Di María’s right leg forced the veteran off the field in tears, carried out in clear pain.

Despite the scare, the world champion reassured fans after the match: “It was just a knock on the bone, I’m okay. We played a good match, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get the win. Argentine football is tough, but we wanted to bring joy to our people and start the season well — it just didn’t happen today.”

Even though the match ended in a draw and included an unfortunate injury, the night will be remembered as the beginning of a new chapter for one of Argentina’s most iconic players — now back home to pursue glory with his boyhood club.