Di Maria says Messi will decide his own retirement after World Cup final defeat

Angel Di Maria insists Lionel Messi alone will determine when he retires from international football and believes the Argentina captain can continue for “many more years”, despite suggestions the 2026 World Cup final marked his last appearance for the national team.

Reports in Argentina had claimed that the 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in the United States would be Messi’s final match for his country, bringing an end to an international career in which he led Argentina to the 2022 title in Qatar.

Messi, who turned 39 during the tournament, played the full game as Argentina were beaten by Spain, surrendering the crown they had held since their triumph four years earlier.

However, speaking to TNT Sports, Di Maria moved to play down speculation that the former Barcelona forward had already decided to walk away from the Albiceleste.

“Yes, Leo should continue for as long as he wants,” Di Maria said. “I think he can keep going for many more years.”

The 2022 World Cup winner stressed that Messi’s age had not diminished his status among the game’s elite.

“At 39 he has shown he is still one of the best, and even one of the best in the history of football,” Di Maria added. “I don’t think there is any limit to what he can offer.”

Focus on Scaloni’s future

Di Maria also addressed uncertainty surrounding the future of Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, whose position has been the subject of debate since the defeat by Spain.

Scaloni, architect of Argentina’s World Cup success in Qatar and widely credited with revitalising the national side, has overseen a period that in Argentina is often referred to as the “Scaloneta” era.

Speaking about the coach’s situation, Di Maria said: “He is the leader of this Scaloneta and of this team (this current era), and I hope he stays.

“I think he is building a wonderful generation of young players, and that is something that benefits the national team.”

Di Maria underlined that the final decision over Scaloni’s tenure rests firmly with the coach himself.

He concluded: “The decision is his, of course, he knows what he wants, but as an Argentine I hope he continues his work with the national team.”

Argentina, who arrived at the 2026 tournament as defending champions following their success in Qatar, fell narrowly short of becoming the first side since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup, with Spain claiming the title thanks to a single-goal victory in the final.