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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  WHAT 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.

• 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.”

Tags: Futebol
Category: News