‘Don’t retire yet’: Di María makes desperate plea to Lionel Messi after World Cup agony in Argentina | Football News
Ángel Di María urged Lionel Messi not to retire from international football after Argentina’s heartbreaking loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, insisting the captain should continue to represent his country for “many more years” despite another painful end to 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 ago and immediately shifted attention to Messi’s international future.At the age of 39, Messi has yet to confirm whether he intends to continue playing for Argentina.
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While the 2026 tournament is widely expected to be his last 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 long-time teammate to leave.
Di María wants Messi to continue playing
Speaking to TNT Sports, Di María said that only Messi should decide when his international career ends.“Yes, Leo should continue as long as he wants,” said Di María. “I think he can go on for many years.”The former Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica winger argued that Messi’s performances throughout the World Cup proved that age has done little to diminish his influence.“At the age of 39, he has proven that he is one of the best and the best in history, without a ceiling.”Although Argentina ultimately fell short of 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 to a second consecutive final after inspiring some decisive performances throughout the knockout rounds.
The heartbreak of the final did not define Argentina’s campaign
Argentina’s title defense ended after Torres capitalized in the second period of extra time, shortly after Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time in normal time following a second yellow card.Reduced to 10 men, Argentina could not find an equalizer 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 more than just the loss in New Jersey.He singled out Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 semi-final win over England as one of the most important moments of the tournament.“The victory against England is a great joy for everyone in Argentina, and it is clear and it makes me very happy,” he said.“I am forever grateful to everyone in the Argentina squad.”Reflecting on the team’s journey, Di María praised the resilience shown by Scaloni’s players throughout the competition.“I suffered in every game, but the players found the strength in themselves and it led them to victories.”“Sometimes you win the finals and sometimes luck is not on your side, but they raise the name of the national team.”The 38-year-old suggested that, emotionally, Argentina had already left a lasting memory before reaching the final.“For me, the World Cup ended when Argentina beat England,” he said. “They gave the country indescribable joy.”
Di María also backed Scaloni to continue
Messi is not the only senior man whose future has been discussed after the tournament.Speculation has also surrounded head coach Lionel Scaloni after Argentina came close to losing back-to-back World Cup titles, but Di María hopes the manager will stay on to guide the next generation.“I hope he continues for the good of everyone, because there is a good generation of young players who are looking for glory,” said Di María.“He’ll 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, NJ, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Argentina’s squad still shows a combination of experienced leaders and new talents capable of competing for future honors, making continuity an attractive option as preparations finally begin for the next major international cycle.
Messi has yet to reveal his next international decision
Messi has largely stayed out of the spotlight since the final defeat and has not publicly stated whether he wants to continue playing for Argentina.His immediate focus is expected to return to club football with Inter Miami as the MLS season continues, while another World Cup seems unlikely due to his age.The 2028 Copa América, however, remains a realistic possibility if Messi decides to extend his international career.For Di María, the message is simple: as long as Messi continues to produce performances as seen throughout the 2026 World Cup, there is no reason to put an artificial deadline on one of the greatest international football careers ever seen.
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