Di Maria Dismisses Messi Retirement Rumors, Reflects on World Cup

WHO:

The Big Lead - Angel Di Maria, former Argentina forward

The Daily Star - Angel Di Maria, 2022 World Cup champion with Argentina

The Big Lead - Lionel Messi, forward for Inter Miami and Argentina

The Daily Star - Lionel Scaloni, Argentina coach

WHAT:

The Big Lead - Di Maria believes Messi should continue playing for Argentina, stating, "Leo has to keep going as long as he wants."

The Big Lead - Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists during the recent World Cup, surpassing Miroslav Klose with a total of 21 goals and nine assists in World Cup history.

The Big Lead - Messi will miss the 2026 MLS All-Star Game for the second consecutive season, but will not be suspended.

The Daily Star - Di Maria expressed that Argentina's semifinal victory over England was the defining moment of their World Cup campaign.

The Daily Star - Di Maria stated, "I suffered through every game, but they found that inner strength that ultimately led to victories."

WHERE:

The Big Lead - The recent World Cup took place in North America.

The Daily Star - Di Maria made his comments after a match in Rosario Central, Argentina.

WHEN:

The Big Lead - The recent World Cup final occurred where Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in added extra time.

The Daily Star - Di Maria's comments were made after Rosario Central's 2-1 defeat to Belgrano.

WHY:

The Big Lead - Di Maria believes Messi can still contribute significantly to the national team, emphasizing his ongoing excellence at age 39.

The Daily Star - Di Maria feels the team deserves more recognition for their achievements beyond applause.

HOW:

The Big Lead - Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association agreed to have individual conversations with players regarding their rest and return to competition after exiting the World Cup.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 13:34 UTC)

Angel Di Maria, the 2022 World Cup champion with Argentina, believes that Lionel Messi should continue playing for the national team, stating, "Leo has to keep going as long as he wants." Messi recently surpassed Miroslav Klose in World Cup history, scoring eight goals and providing four assists during the tournament, although he will miss the 2026 MLS All-Star Game for the second consecutive season without suspension. Di Maria also reflected on Argentina's semifinal victory over England as a defining moment of their World Cup campaign, emphasizing the team's need for greater recognition for their achievements.