Controversy over former goalkeeper's threat to Di María and debate on tributes in football

The world of football has been shaken by a troubling threat made by former Chilean goalkeeper Nicolás Peric towards Argentine player Ángel Di María, amidst the preparations for the match between Chile and Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifiers. The controversy arose when Peric stated on the Marca Personal program on La Metro TV that if he played for 11 minutes on the field, he would fracture the footballer. The controversy stemmed from the proposal to give Di María a special farewell in the next Argentine national team match, suggesting that the player should play the first 11 minutes in honor of his jersey number before being substituted. However, Peric considered that these types of tributes are not suitable in a competitive context like a World Cup qualifier, suggesting that they should be reserved for friendly matches. Peric's statements sparked intense debate on social media and in the footballing world, especially considering the challenging situation the Chilean national team is facing on their path to the World Cup. The ex-goalkeeper's threat towards Di María has raised concern and rejection among fans and followers of both teams. On the other hand, Jorgelina Cardoso, Ángel Di María's wife, expressed support for the idea of her husband receiving a special tribute in the upcoming match against Chile. Cardoso emphasized that Di María deserves this recognition, especially after his performance in the Copa América, and expressed excitement at the possibility of the player getting some minutes on the field before being cheered on by the Argentine fans. The proposal to honor Di María with 11 minutes of play in the match against Chile has stirred mixed emotions in the football world, with divided opinions on the appropriateness of this gesture in a qualifying match. While some believe it is a well-deserved tribute to the Argentine player, others question if the competitive context is suitable for such tributes. Reflecting on the importance of the Finalissima, a tournament that pits the champions of the Copa América and the Eurocup against each other, highlights the significance of football events that bring together teams from different continents. History and tradition intertwine in these matches, representing a special moment for international football and its fans. In a broader perspective, the collaboration between CONMEBOL and UEFA, evidenced by the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both organizations, has led to the creation of joint events such as the Intercontinental U-20 Cup and the Club Challenge between the winners of the Copa Sudamericana and Europa League. This cooperation underscores the importance of unity among the various actors in world football for the benefit of the sport and its followers. In summary, Nicolás Peric's threat towards Ángel Di María has sparked controversy in the football world, underscoring the importance of maintaining respect and sportsmanship in the sport. While there is debate about the appropriateness of honoring a player in a qualifying match, events like the Finalissima and the collaboration between confederations showcase the richness and diversity that characterize international football.