Top News

Argentina great Angel Di Maria has given his complete backing to Lionel Messi, saying the Inter Miami star should go on with his international career for as long as he wants. The former Real Madrid player feels the 39-year-old is still at the very top of the game and still has a lot to give to the Albiceleste in the years ahead.

Messi retirement talk dismissed

Di Maria has made his stance clear on the future of his long-time teammate Messi, after Argentina's emotional run at the 2026 World Cup. Even though the veteran forward is nearing 40, Di Maria believes the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is nowhere near the end of his career at the highest level. After Rosario Central's recent 2-1 loss to Belgrano, the winger was firm that the captain alone controls his own path on the pitch.

"Leo has to keep going as long as he wants," the former Real Madrid and PSG forward said. "I think he can continue for many more years. At 39, he's shown that he's one of the best and that he can continue to be one of the best in history. He has no ceiling, there's nothing more for him."

These remarks come at an important moment for the national team, especially after Leandro Paredes said that Messi saw the 2026 World Cup final as his goodbye to international football.

Scaloni’s leadership remains vital

Apart from the future of the country's greatest ever player, Di Maria also spoke strongly about the need to keep Lionel Scaloni as head coach. Scaloni has guided Argentina through a golden period, winning four major trophies during his time in charge, including the World Cup, two Copa Americas, and the Finalissima. Di Maria said the coach is the key figure for the next wave of Argentine talent now coming into the senior squad.

"Scaloni is the leader of the national team, I hope he stays for everyone's sake," Di Maria added. "He's developing a good generation of young players who are coming through now, and every little bit helps. I hope he stays; it's his decision. Scaloni, better than anyone, knows what he wants, but obviously, as an Argentine, I'd like him to continue."

Pride in the journey

Di Maria also spoke about how he feels for his teammates and the journey they have shared over the years. Looking back on the successes that came before their recent setback, Di Maria said the present squad has already earned a permanent place among football's great teams.

“They deserve more than just applause for everything they've achieved and have continued to achieve," he added. "Beating England was the culmination of all that. For me, the World Cup ended there, and we gave the country its greatest joy, and that's the most beautiful thing for everyone."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Handling World Cup heartbreak

To close, Di Maria also explained how he lived through the World Cup and what it meant to watch the national team compete at the highest level. He said: "I suffered through every match, but in the end they drew on their inner strength and that's what led to victories. Finals are finals; sometimes you win, sometimes you don't. This time it wasn't our turn, but I think the lads did the national team proud."