Di Maria urges Messi to delay retirement after Argentina's World Cup loss
Former Argentina winger Angel Di Maria urged Lionel Messi to postpone his retirement from international football after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final last weekend. Speaking to TNT Sports via Mundo Albiceleste on July 26, 2026, Di Maria called the eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner 'the best player in history' and said Messi can still play for the national team for many more years, noting that at 39 he has shown no ceiling to his ability.
For Nigerian football fans, Messi’s continued presence would sustain a global benchmark of excellence that inspires young players in academies from Lagos to Abuja; his decision also shapes the narrative around Argentina’s recent defeat and what it means for South American football’s future competitiveness.
Di Maria and Messi won the Copa América and the World Cup together, sharing a long partnership in the Albiceleste. Fans should watch for any official announcement from Messi about his international future and consider how veteran leadership influences team dynamics in upcoming tournaments.