Ángel Di María has urged Lionel Messi not to retire from international football following Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, insisting the captain should continue representing his country for “many more years” despite another painful ending on football’s biggest stage.Spain claimed their second men’s World Cup title with a 1-0 extra-time victory at the New York New Jersey Stadium after substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute. The defeat ended Argentina’s hopes of retaining the trophy they won in Qatar four years earlier and immediately shifted attention toward Messi’s international future.At 39, Messi has yet to confirm whether he intends to continue playing for Argentina.
CJP Jantar Mantar Protest Updates
While the 2026 tournament is widely expected to have been his final World Cup, his future beyond that remains uncertain.Di María, who retired from international football after helping Argentina win the 2024 Copa América, believes there should be no pressure on his longtime teammate to step away.
Di María wants Messi to keep playing
Speaking to TNT Sports, Di María said Messi alone should decide when his international career comes to an end.“Yes, Leo should continue for as long as he wants,” Di María said. “I think he can keep going for many more years.”The former Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica winger argued that Messi’s performances throughout the World Cup proved age has done little to diminish his influence.“At 39 years old, he’s proven he’s one of the best and still the best in history, with no ceiling.”Although Argentina ultimately fell short in the final, Messi once again carried much of the creative burden for Lionel Scaloni’s side during the tournament.He finished the World Cup with eight goals and four assists, leading Argentina back to a second consecutive final after inspiring several decisive performances throughout the knockout rounds.
Heartbreak in the final does not define Argentina’s campaign
Argentina’s title defence came to an end after Torres capitalised in the second period of extra time, shortly after Enzo Fernández had been sent off in stoppage time of normal time following a second yellow card.Reduced to 10 men, Argentina were unable to find an equaliser as Spain’s control of possession eventually translated into the goal that settled the final.Despite the disappointment, Di María believes the campaign should be remembered for much more than the defeat in New Jersey.He singled out Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over England as one of the defining moments of the tournament.“The win over England was a great joy for all of Argentina, and this was clear and made me very happy,” he said.“I am grateful to everyone in the Argentina squad forever.”Reflecting on the team’s journey, Di María praised the resilience shown by Scaloni’s players throughout the competition.“I suffered in every match, but the players found the strength within themselves and it led them to victories.”“Sometimes you win finals and sometimes luck is not on your side, but they raised the name of the national team high.”The 38-year-old even suggested that, emotionally, Argentina had already delivered a lasting memory before reaching the final.“For me, the World Cup ended when Argentina beat England,” he said. “They gave the country an indescribable joy.”
Di María also backs Scaloni to continue
Messi is not the only senior figure whose future has come under discussion following the tournament.Speculation has also surrounded head coach Lionel Scaloni after Argentina narrowly missed out on back-to-back World Cup titles, but Di María hopes the manager remains in charge to guide the next generation.“I hope he continues for everyone’s benefit, as there is a good generation of young players seeking glory,” Di María said.“He will know what he wants, but I hope he stays.”
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni leaves the pitch after the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Argentina’s squad still features a blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent capable of competing for future honours, making continuity an attractive option as preparations eventually begin for the next major international cycle.
Messi yet to reveal his next international decision
Messi has largely stayed out of the spotlight since the final defeat and has not publicly addressed whether he intends to continue playing for Argentina.His immediate focus is expected to shift back to club football with Inter Miami as the MLS season resumes, while another World Cup appears highly unlikely given his age.The 2028 Copa América, however, remains a realistic possibility should Messi decide to extend his international career.For Di María, the message is simple: as long as Messi continues producing performances like those seen throughout the 2026 World Cup, there is no reason to place an artificial deadline on one of the greatest international careers football has ever seen.
