´Messi is the only one guaranteed a place´ – Di Maria not taking World Cup spot for granted

Angel Di Maria is concerned he has yet to do enough to guarantee himself a place in Argentina’s World Cup squad due to uncertainty surrounding his future at club level.

The 34-year-old is without a club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer following a seven-season spell in the French capital.

He has been linked with a number of teams, with Serie A giants Juventus reportedly close to agreeing a one-year deal for the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player.

Speaking earlier this week, meanwhile, newly appointed Rosario Central boss Carlos Tevez revealed he is hoping to bring Di Maria back to the Argentine club.

Di Maria will not have long to settle at his new side before Qatar 2022 begins on November 21, with Argentina in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.

And despite playing a key part in his country’s successful qualifying campaign with three goals, the free agent is not taking his place in the 26-man squad for granted.

“The only one guaranteed to be in is Lionel Messi,” Di Maria, who has appeared at three previous World Cup finals, told TNT Sports. 

“Four months from now you don’t know. I have to change clubs, adapt again, play and feel good – that will make a difference.”

Di Maria is Argentina’s fourth-most capped player of all time with 122 appearances, behind only Messi (162), Javier Mascherano (147) and Javier Zanetti (145).

He made 31 appearances for PSG in his final season at the Parc des Princes and registered 13 goal involvements – five goals of his own and a further eight assists.

That is a tally only Neymar (21), Messi (25) and Kylian Mbappe (60) could better among PSG players in the 2021-22 campaign.

Juve remain the favourites to sign Di Maria and the attacking midfielder confirmed the Italian side’s interest, as well as commenting on previous links to Barcelona.

“Juventus are the biggest club in Italy and one of the teams interested in me,” he said. “Right now I am thinking things through, but I am focused on my holidays and family.

“Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world and I have always had to play against them in the past.”