The 2024 Copa America final will be Angel Di Maria last match with the Argentina national team . The 36-year-old winger retired from international football with a championship title. Could his partner, Lionel Messi , follow in his footsteps?

Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in the 2024 Copa America final on Monday (15/7/2024). Lautaro Martinez’s only goal in extra time, precisely in the 112th minute, ensured Argentina successfully defended their title.

Argentina captain Messi was unable to make it through to the end of the final. The 37-year-old Inter Miami forward had to leave in the 66th minute due to injury. He was seen in tears.

Messi was Argentina’s mainstay when they won the 2021 Copa America and the World Cup. In the 2024 Copa America, even though Argentina eventually emerged as champions, Messi’s performance and fitness seemed to have declined.

Messi only scored one goal in the 2024 Copa America. In the final, due to Colombia’s tight man-marking, Messi seemed unable to play optimally. From there, it was clear that Messi was starting to lose his magic. He even ended up having to leave due to injury.

Is there still a chance for Messi to strengthen Argentina at the 2026 World Cup?

Messi’s Ambition to Play in the 2026 World Cup

Messi has been asked about his retirement plans many times, but he has hinted that it is not imminent.

Messi wants to keep playing as long as he can maintain his level of play. He alone knows whether his physical condition still supports it or not.

At his club, Inter Miami, Messi is still under contract until the end of December 2025. There is no indication that he will retire from club level, at least until 2025.

Messi himself has also expressed his ambition to strengthen Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

In the qualification so far, Argentina still leads with 15 points from six matches. Argentina’s chances of qualifying are still very open.

However, regarding Messi’s ambitions, it depends on his physical condition and injuries.

As Long As He Is Able, Messi Will Continue

There has been speculation that Messi will retire from the Argentina national team after lifting the 2024 Copa America trophy, like Angel Di Maria. However, according to Australian national team legend John Aloisi, Messi

“I don’t think it will be the last game he plays. I think he will continue to play, maybe even until the next World Cup,” Aloisi said, as reported by Optus Sport.

“They’re not going to part with him like that, because he’s been out injured, where he hasn’t had the impact he wanted to have.”

“That was Di Maria’s last game, and what a player and servant he was for Argentina. In those critical moments, in the last games, he won Olympic gold for Argentina, also won the Copa America before, and this one. He was brilliant today.”

“When you play your last game, it can be very emotional, and that’s where it’s difficult to come back, when you know it’s your last, but he did it. He found the energy, found the way and finished it very well. Not many people, not many players can finish on that high, like Di Maria did, and maybe Messi did too.”

Messi Won’t Stop Here

South Melbourne coach Esteban Quintas, who is Argentinian, also had similar thoughts about Messi. According to him, Messi will not stop here.

“It’s impossible that it was his last game with Argentina,” said Esteban Quintas.

“I think he will try to play in the next World Cup. But I believe that for us Argentines, this is a moment to celebrate what we achieved today.”

Argentina has successfully defended its Copa America title. Will they also be able to defend their World Cup title? Will Messi be involved again? Let’s just wait and see.