Di María urges Messi to continue after Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain
Ángel Di María has publicly asked Lionel Messi not to step away from international football following Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Di María lauded Messi’s displays through the tournament and also voiced support for head coach Lionel Scaloni as the squad prepares to integrate younger players.
The appeal from Di María came in the wake of Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup title match. He praised Messi’s performances during the competition and insisted the captain retains the capacity to extend his international career. Di María added that Messi can play for many more years if he chooses, and he expressed confidence that Scaloni should remain at the helm. Argentina now face a transition phase centered on building around the next generation of talent.
Di María’s entreaty focused squarely on Messi’s future with the national side, highlighting the veteran’s contribution across the tournament. He praised Messi’s performances, underlining the captain’s influence despite the final outcome. The forward emphasized that Messi’s decision about retirement is his alone, and reiterated that the player “can play for many more years if he chooses.”
Alongside his remarks about Messi, Di María made clear his backing for Lionel Scaloni to continue as Argentina’s coach. He expressed support for the current managerial setup as the team plots its next steps after the World Cup. Di María framed the continuity in leadership as important while mentioning the squad’s need to nurture emerging players.
The comments from Di María combined personal appeal with institutional endorsement, pairing encouragement for Messi with a vote of confidence in Scaloni. He praised Messi’s performances and suggested that the captain’s presence could still be a resource for the squad. By urging both player and coach to remain, Di María pointed to a preference for stability during the team’s forthcoming rebuilding process.
Di María’s public stance underscores a desire within the Argentina ranks to retain experienced figures while ushering in fresh talent. He praised Messi’s performances and urged him to continue despite the disappointment of the final. His simultaneous support for Scaloni reinforces an approach that balances veteran leadership with plans to develop the next generation of Argentine players.
Di María’s remarks leave the decisions about Messi’s career and Scaloni’s tenure in their hands while making clear his own preference for continuity. Argentina’s task now is to reconvene and shape a team that can blend established stars with younger prospects as they move beyond the 2026 World Cup campaign.
