Former Argentina international Angel Di Maria has called on Lionel Messi to continue playing for the national team despite Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Following the heartbreaking loss last weekend, questions have once again been raised about Messi’s international future. The Argentina captain has enjoyed one of the greatest careers in football history, and many fans have wondered whether the World Cup final would be his last appearance for his country.
However, Di Maria believes the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner still has plenty to offer Argentina and should not rush into retirement.
The former winger, who shared many unforgettable moments with Messi while representing their country, said the legendary forward should continue playing for as long as he feels capable.
Di Maria Believes Messi Can Play for Many More Years
Speaking to TNT Sports via Mundo Albiceleste, Di Maria praised his longtime teammate and insisted that age should not be a reason for Messi to step away from international football.
“Yes, Leo should continue for as long as he wants. I think he can keep going for many more years,” Di Maria told TNT Sports (via Mundo Albiceleste).
The former Argentina star believes Messi has shown throughout his career that he is capable of performing at the highest level regardless of his age.
Many footballers begin to slow down in the later stages of their careers, but Messi has continued to produce outstanding performances while leading both club and country.
Di Maria feels there is no reason for the Argentina captain to retire while he is still capable of making a difference on the pitch.
“The Best Player in History”
Di Maria did not hide his admiration for Messi during the interview.
He described his former teammate as the greatest footballer the game has ever seen and believes the legendary playmaker continues to prove his quality every time he steps onto the field.
“At 39 years old, he’s proven he is one of the best and still the best in history, with no ceiling,” the former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger added.
The comments reflect the enormous respect Di Maria has for Messi after spending many years playing alongside him for Argentina.
Throughout their time together, the pair helped transform Argentina into one of the strongest national teams in world football.
A Partnership That Brought Glory to Argentina
Di Maria and Messi shared the pitch for many years and enjoyed some of the greatest moments in Argentina’s football history.
The two players were part of the team that ended Argentina’s long wait for a major international trophy by winning the Copa America.
They later helped their country achieve an even greater success by lifting the FIFA World Cup.
Those victories secured their places among Argentina’s football legends and created memories that supporters will never forget.
Playing together for so many years also allowed Di Maria to witness Messi’s dedication, professionalism, and remarkable talent from close range.
That experience explains why he remains confident that the captain can continue performing at the highest level.
Questions Over Messi’s International Future
Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final has naturally led to fresh discussions about Messi’s future with the national team.
Whenever a legendary player reaches the later stages of their career, retirement becomes a regular topic of conversation.
Many supporters understand that Messi has already achieved almost everything possible in football.
He has won domestic league titles, UEFA Champions League trophies, Copa America titles, the FIFA World Cup, multiple Ballon d’Or awards, and countless individual honors.
Because of those achievements, some fans believe the World Cup final would be the perfect moment for him to bring his international career to an end.
Others, however, believe Argentina still need their captain’s experience, leadership, and extraordinary ability.
Di Maria clearly belongs to that group.
Messi Continues to Inspire
Even at 39 years old, Messi continues to inspire football fans around the world.
His vision, passing, dribbling, and ability to score important goals remain among the qualities that have made him one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Although football becomes more physically demanding with age, Messi has shown that intelligence and experience can often make just as much difference as speed.
His ability to read the game allows him to influence matches in ways few other players can.
That is one of the reasons why teammates, coaches, and former players continue to believe he has more to offer.
Argentina Could Still Benefit From His Experience
International football is about much more than individual talent.
Experienced players often play an important role in helping younger teammates develop and cope with pressure during major tournaments.
Messi’s leadership has become one of his greatest strengths in recent years.
Young Argentina players regularly speak about the confidence they gain from having their captain on the field.
His calm personality, winning mentality, and experience at the highest level make him an important figure inside the dressing room as well as on the pitch.
If he decides to continue representing Argentina, his influence could extend far beyond his performances during matches.
Fans Wait for Messi’s Decision
For now, Messi has not publicly confirmed what he plans to do next with the national team.
Supporters across Argentina and around the world will be waiting eagerly for any announcement regarding his future.
Whatever decision he eventually makes is likely to receive enormous attention because of his status as one of football’s greatest-ever players.
If he chooses to continue, Argentina will benefit from the presence of one of the most experienced and successful footballers in the history of the game.
If he decides to retire, he will leave behind an extraordinary international career that has inspired millions of supporters around the world.
Di Maria’s Message Reflects What Many Fans Feel
Di Maria’s comments are likely to echo the feelings of many Argentina supporters who hope to see Messi continue wearing the famous blue and white shirt.
Having shared unforgettable moments with the captain throughout his international career, Di Maria understands better than most what Messi brings to the national team.
His belief that Messi can continue playing for many more years is based on years of watching the legendary forward perform at the highest level.
While only Messi can decide when the time is right to retire from international football, the support from former teammates like Di Maria shows how highly he continues to be valued.
For now, Argentina’s captain remains at the center of football’s biggest conversations following the World Cup final. Whether he continues his international journey or chooses to bring an incredible career to a close, Lionel Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players in football history is already firmly secured.
Di Maria, however, hopes the story is not over just yet and believes the Argentine icon still has many memorable moments left to give his country.
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