Former Argentina star Angel Di Maria believes Lionel Messi “can proceed for a lot of extra years”, regardless of rumours of a possible retirement.
Messi guided Argentina to the World Cup last this summer time, however couldn’t repeat his heroics of 2022 as they misplaced 1-0 to Spain within the showpiece.
The Argentina captain turned simply the second-ever participant to play in three males’s World Cup finals (additionally 2014 and 2022), after Brazil’s Cafu (1994, 1998, 2002).
And at 39 years and 25 days, he additionally turned the second-oldest ever World Cup finalist, after Italy’s Dino Zoff in 1982 (40y 133d).
Messi has but to touch upon his Argentina future, although team-mate Leandro Paredes claimed the previous Barcelona man had already determined to retire earlier than the World Cup last.
Di Maria, nevertheless, believes Messi can proceed to play on the highest stage after his spectacular displaying at this yr’s event.
“Leo has to maintain going so long as he needs,” mentioned Di Maria, who scored within the 2022 last.
“I feel he can proceed for a lot of extra years. At 39, he is proven that he is among the finest and that he can proceed to be among the finest in historical past.
“He has no ceiling; there’s nothing extra for him.”
¡GRACIAS INFINITAS, MUCHACHOS! No alcanzan las palabras para agradecerles cómo defendieron la camiseta. Nos hicieron llorar, gritar y, sobre todo, volver a creer. ¡Son eternos! pic.twitter.com/lYGLJC3tzB
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) July 19, 2026
Solely Kylian Mbappe scored (10) and straight contributed to extra objectives (14) than Messi on the 2026 World Cup (eight objectives, 12 direct purpose contributions), whereas they completed tied-second for many assists (4).
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, who has gained 4 main trophies with the group, additionally may go away his position after their World Cup loss, however Di Maria has urged the coach to remain on.
“Scaloni is the chief of the nationwide group, I hope he stays for everybody’s sake,” Di Maria added.
“He is growing a great technology of younger gamers who’re coming by now, and each little bit helps.
“I hope he stays; it is his choice. Scaloni, higher than anybody, is aware of what he needs, however clearly, as an Argentine, I might like him to proceed.”
