‘No ceiling’: Di Maria issues stirring plea for a Messi to continue after World Cup final heartbreak

Ángel Di Maria has delivered an impassioned plea to Lionel Messi, urging his longtime Argentina teammate to continue his legendary international career despite the heartbreak of losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.

Speaking after Argentina’s agonising 1-0 extra-time defeat in New Jersey, the 38-year-old winger insisted that the 39-year-old captain should be the sole arbiter of his own future, pointing to his remarkable performances throughout the tournament as proof that age remains no barrier.

‘He Has No Ceiling’

“He should keep going as long as he wants. I think he can continue for many more years,” Di Maria told reporters. “At 39 years old, he has proven he is one of the best and can continue to be the best in history. He has no ceiling; there is nothing more for him.”

The sentiment echoes the deep bond the two share, forged over nearly two decades with the national team and briefly at Paris Saint-Germain. Di Maria, who has previously described playing alongside Messi as “the best thing that happened to me in my career,” made clear his hope that the captain’s journey with the Albiceleste is not yet over.

A Campaign to Remember

Despite the final defeat, Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final. He broke Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goal-scoring record during the campaign, further cementing his status as one of football’s greatest players.

Di Maria, who has now retired from international duty himself, chose to focus on the positives of Argentina’s run. He singled out the dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over England as the defining moment of the tournament, providing “indescribable joy” to the nation. “For me, the World Cup ended with the victory over England,” he confessed, suggesting the emotional significance of that result overshadowed the pain of the final loss.

Scaloni Backing and Future Speculation

Di Maria also extended his support to manager Lionel Scaloni, whose future remains uncertain after the narrow defeat. “I hope he continues for everyone’s benefit. There is a good generation of young players seeking glory,” he said, adding, “Scaloni is the Scaloneta. I hope he stays.”

Messi, who has yet to publicly confirm his intentions following the final, continues to excel at club level for Inter Miami, recording 12 goals and 7 assists in 14 MLS appearances so far in 2026. Speculation around his international future is likely to persist, but Di Maria’s message was clear: the decision rests entirely with the player himself. As long as Messi wants to play, his longtime teammate believes he should.