“Leo has to keep playing for many more years”: Angel Di Maria urges Messi to postpone retirement from Argentine national team

The Argentina legend insists Messi proved at 39 that he still has much more to offer his country

Lionel Messi walked away from another World Cup final without the ending Argentina had dreamed about, but Angel Di Maria believes the pain of losing to Spain shouldn't force the country’s greatest player into retirement.

Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat in New Jersey immediately shifted attention towards Messi’s international future. At 39, the captain had almost certainly played his final World Cup match, yet he hasn't confirmed whether he intends to stop representing the national team altogether.

Di Maria, who retired from international football after Argentina won the 2024 Copa America, hopes his former teammate makes a different choice.

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

The former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain winger argued that Messi’s performances across the tournament made age almost irrelevant.

“At 39 years old, he’s proven he’s one of the best and still the best in history, with no ceiling,” Di Maria added.

Messi remained Argentina’s driving force at 39

The final ended in disappointment after Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute, taking advantage after Enzo Fernandez had been sent off.

Argentina couldn't find an equalizer, ending its attempt to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.

That defeat did little to diminish Messi’s individual contribution. He recorded eight goals and four assists during Argentina’s run, once again becoming the focal point of Lionel Scaloni’s attack.

His creativity and finishing helped carry the defending champions through a demanding knockout stage and into a second successive final.

Di Maria was particularly moved by Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England, describing it as a moment that transcended the eventual result against Spain.

“The win over England was a great joy for all of Argentina, and this was clear and made me very happy,” he said. “I am grateful to everyone in the Argentina squad forever.”

“I suffered in every match, but the players found the strength within themselves and it led them to victories. Sometimes you win finals and sometimes luck is not on your side, but they raised the name of the national team high.”

The victory carried such emotional weight that Di Maria said Argentina had already delivered something unforgettable before reaching the final.

“For me, the World Cup ended when Argentina beat England,” he said. “They gave the country an indescribable joy.”

Di Maria wants Scaloni to stay with Messi

Di Maria also urged Scaloni to remain in charge as Argentina begins planning for life beyond the tournament.

The coach’s future has come under scrutiny alongside Messi’s, although Argentina still possesses a promising generation capable of challenging for more trophies.

“I hope he continues for everyone’s benefit, as there is a good generation of young players seeking glory,” Di Maria said. “He will know what he wants, but I hope he stays.”

Messi has remained out of the spotlight since the final and has offered no definitive answer about his international plans. His next immediate step will be returning to Inter Miami, where the MLS campaign is already underway.

Another World Cup appears unrealistic, but the 2028 Copa America could offer a possible final target. Di Maria’s message is that no deadline should be imposed while Messi continues performing at a level few players of any age can match.