Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to play more international games in the near future, even after representing Argentina in the Copa America final on July 15.
It is worth noting that Messi achieved his 109th goal for his country, marking his first of the current tournament. This milestone brought his tally in Copa America matches to 14, just short of the record.
Sportxparte understands that the eight-time Ballon d’Or award winner had earlier spoken about his retirement following a missed penalty in the shootout defeat to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final.
However, Messi, who had made a different submission outside the locker room at MetLife Stadium, suddenly changed his mind and has since scored 54 goals in 73 international games, increasing Argentina’s total matches played to 186.
This has been instrumental in their victories in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.
“As I’ve said before, I intend to continue,” Messi said on Tuesday night after Argentina’s 2-0 win over Canada.
“I intend to keep living day by day without thinking about what will come in the future or whether I’ll continue or not. It’s something I just live each day. I’m 37 years, and only God knows when the end will be.”
Di Maria Announces Retirement Plan
However, Messi’s playing mate, Ángel Di María, has expressed plans to step down from the field following the 2024 Copa America final match against Colombia on Sunday at Miami Gardens, Florida.
At the age of 36, Di María joined the international stage in 2008 and has scored 31 goals in 144 games.
“It’s my last battle. There’s nothing left to say that I haven’t said a lot of times before,” Di María told reporters.
He added: “It’s my last game. I have to say thank you to all Argentineans and to this generation that has allowed me to lift so many trophies.”
Di María joined with Messi to lead Argentina to its third World Cup and 15th Copa America title.
“We’ve enjoyed him so much,” Messi remarked on Di Maria.
“He’s always given his all and the best of himself and that he will retire in a final is something he simply deserves.”
Argentina coach Hopes Di Maria Will Change His Plans
However, the head coach for Argentina, Lionel Scaloni, is hopeful that Di María will change his decision on retirement.
He said: “We don’t want to start crying right now. We don’t want to feel melancholy.”
Scaloni added: “We have to let him play, and then we’ll see if we can convince him or not to stay with us.”
“We will never be the ones to close the door.
“He can be with our team for as long as he wants to be. And if he wants to retire but still come and hang around, it would be great. And if he wants to come with me to somewhere else, I will take him everywhere so he can decide whatever he wants to do.”
Meanwhile, the South American World Cup qualifying process will kick off in September, with every country set to face off in an additional 12 games. The final match of the 2026 World Cup is set to take place at MetLife, on July 19th.
