Angel Di Maria settles the debate on Lionel Messi's retirement
Argentina legend Angel Di Maria has shared his thoughts on the future of Lionel Messi following the 2026 World Cup final.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Bryan Berlin
Angel Di Maria has addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding Lionel Messi's future with the national team. Following Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final held in the United States, reports suggested the match could mark the end of the legendary captain's international career.
Di Maria, a long-time teammate and close friend of Messi, insists that the forward should continue playing as long as he feels the desire to do so. Speaking to TNT Sports, he emphasized that Messi continues to perform at an elite level despite his age.
Leo should continue for as long as he wants. I think he can carry on for many more years. At 39 years old, he has proven that he is still one of the best, indeed one of the best in the history of football, and I don't think there is a ceiling on what he can offer. Angel Di Maria
Di Maria also expressed his support for national team coach Lionel Scaloni, highlighting his crucial role in developing a new generation of talent for the "Scaloneta."
While acknowledging that the final decision rests solely with Messi, Di Maria expressed his personal hope as an Argentine that the captain will choose to continue his mission with the national side.