'It's not a farewell' – Angel Di Maria suggests Lionel Messi will play on for Argentina BEYOND 2026 World Cup
Angel Di Maria has suggested that Lionel Messi will play on beyond the 2026 World Cup, claiming that no “farewell” has been bid with Argentina.
- Last qualifier taken in on Argentine soil
- Doubts cast over World Cup involvement
- Close friend expects career to continue
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Table of Contents
ToggleWHAT HAPPENED?
Messi’s latest outing for his country, which came in a qualifying clash with Venezuela, saw an emotional evening taken in at Estadio Monumental. He believes said fixture will mark his last competitive appearance on home soil.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has also cast doubt over his involvement at next summer’s World Cup, with the 38-year-old unable to guarantee that he will form part of a global title defence in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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DID YOU KNOW?
The expectation is that he will grace said event, as he remains a talismanic captain of the Albiceleste, with long-time team-mate Di Maria – who retired from international duty after winning the 2024 Copa America – of the opinion that Argentina’s GOAT has more football left in him.
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WHAT DI MARIA SAID
Di Maria told : “Leo hasn’t retired yet. It will be the last qualifying match, but he still has a World Cup and will surely have another match after. For me, it’s not a farewell. That’s why I didn’t go. I spoke with him. I’m happy that he’s still around.”
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