Lionel Messi, one of the greatest football players of all time, has confirmed his intention to continue playing for Argentina beyond the Copa America final. After Argentina’s 2-0 win over Canada, Messi stated that he plans to live day by day without worrying about his future in football. At 37 years old, Messi scored his 109th international goal, bringing his total to 14 goals in Copa America play, just three shy of the record.
MetLife Stadium holds a special significance for Messi, as it was the place where he announced his retirement from international football in 2016 after missing a penalty kick in the Copa America final against Chile. However, he reversed his decision shortly after and has since scored 54 goals in 73 appearances for Argentina. Messi played a crucial role in Argentina’s victory in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.
On the other hand, Messi’s teammate Ángel Di María has announced his retirement after the Copa America final. The 36-year-old forward has been an integral part of the Argentine national team since his debut in 2008, with 31 goals in 144 appearances. Di María expressed his gratitude to the Argentine fans and his teammates for the many trophies they have won together, including the World Cup and Copa America titles.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is hopeful that Di María may reconsider his decision to retire and stay with the national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Scaloni emphasized that he does not want to say goodbye to Di María just yet and would welcome him back in any capacity, whether as a player or part of the coaching staff. The 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium, offering a potential incentive for Di María to stay with the team.
The South American World Cup qualifying matches are set to resume in September, with each team playing 12 more matches before the 2026 World Cup. Scaloni expressed his desire to keep Di María involved with the national team for as long as possible, highlighting his contributions on and off the field. Regardless of Di María’s decision, his legacy as a talented and dedicated player for Argentina will be remembered for years to come.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s commitment to continue playing for Argentina showcases his passion for the game and his desire to represent his country on the international stage. While Di María plans to retire after the Copa America final, there is a glimmer of hope that he may reconsider his decision and continue to contribute to the success of the Argentine national team. As the football world eagerly anticipates the upcoming matches and tournaments, the legacy of Messi and Di María in Argentine football will continue to inspire future generations of players.
