Lionel Messi has confirmed his intention to continue playing for Argentina beyond the upcoming Copa America final. The 37-year-old expressed his commitment following Argentina's 2-0 victory over Canada, stating that he prefers to focus on living day by day without worrying about the future. Messi, who scored his 109th international goal in the match, emphasized that only time will tell when his career will come to an end.
The legendary forward, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, made the announcement at MetLife Stadium, where he had previously declared his retirement after a heartbreaking loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. However, Messi reversed his decision and has since been a pivotal figure for Argentina, contributing significantly to their triumph in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Messi's teammate Ángel Di María has confirmed that he will retire after the upcoming final against either Uruguay or Colombia. The 36-year-old, who made his international debut in 2008, expressed gratitude towards the Argentinean fans and his teammates for their support throughout his career, which included winning the World Cup and Copa America titles.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed hope that Di María might reconsider his retirement plans, emphasizing the team's desire to have him continue playing. Scaloni highlighted the upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium as potential opportunities for Di María to remain involved with the national team.
Scaloni praised Di María's contributions to the team and stated that they would welcome him back in any capacity he chooses. The coach emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with Di María and that they would respect whatever choice he makes regarding his future involvement with the team.
As the Copa America final approaches and the prospect of future competitions looms, the Argentine national team remains focused on their immediate goals while keeping the door open for potential changes in their squad. The team's unity and respect for their veteran players reflect a sense of camaraderie and appreciation for their collective achievements.
With the final match and potential retirements on the horizon, Argentina's football fans eagerly await the outcome of the Copa America final and the decisions of their beloved players.
For more Copa America coverage, visit AP Copa America coverage.
