Spain lose appeal against 2023 Rugby World Cup disqualification

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Angel Di Maria fears he hasn’t done enough yet to secure himself a place in Argentina’s World Cup squad due to the 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 stint in the French capital.

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

Speaking earlier this week, new Rosario Central boss Carlos Tevez revealed he was hoping to bring Di Maria back to the Argentinian club.

Di Maria won’t have long to settle into his new squad before Qatar 2022 begins on November 21, with Argentina in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.

And while he played a key role in his country’s successful qualifying campaign with three goals, the free agent isn’t taking his place in the 26-man squad for granted.

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

“In four months, you don’t know. I have to change clubs, adapt again, play and feel good – that will make the difference.”

Di Maria is the fourth most capped Argentine 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 netted 13 goals – five of his own and another eight assists.

It’s a tally that only Neymar (21), Messi (25) and Kylian Mbappe (60) could do better among PSG players in the 2021-22 campaign.

Juve remain favorites to sign Di Maria and the attacking midfielder has confirmed the Italian side’s interest, while commenting on previous links with Barcelona.

“Juventus are the biggest club in Italy and one of the teams that are interested in me,” he said. “Right now, I’m thinking, but I’m focusing on my holidays and my family.

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

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