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Angel Di Maria says Lionel Messi should continue playing for Argentina

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 10:30 AM

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

Angel Di Maria says Lionel Messi should continue playing for Argentina

Summary

Angel Di Maria expressed that Lionel Messi is not ready to retire from international football, believing he can still contribute significantly to the Argentina national team. This statement comes after Messi's impressive performance at the recent World Cup, where he scored eight goals and assisted four times, leading Argentina to the final. Despite Messi and teammate Rodrigo De Paul missing the upcoming 2026 MLS All-Star Game, the MLS has clarified that his absence is not punitive, but rather a decision made to manage player workloads post-World Cup. Messi has been excused from participation as part of an agreement with the MLS Players Association regarding player recovery after international duty.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Di Maria believes Messi can continue playing for Argentina.
•Messi scored eight goals in the recent World Cup, helping lead Argentina to the final.
•He will miss the 2026 MLS All-Star Game along with De Paul.
•MLS adjusted its policy on player absences from the All-Star Game post-World Cup.
•Messi's status could influence Argentina's future in international competitions.

Latest Updates

10:30 AMYahoo Sports — Former Argentina star shuts down retirement talk involving Lionel Messi

What they're saying

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Former Argentina forward Angel Di Maria strongly believes Lionel Messi shouldn’t call it quits yet in international football, as he believes that the Inter Miami forward can still offer something to the table for La Albiceleste. During the recently concluded…
— Yahoo Sports

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