‘Enjoy them now’ – Lionel Messi & Angel Di Maria won’t last forever as Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni looks to land another Copa America crown for World Cup winners

The legendary duo helped their country to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022, cementing a standing as heroes in their homeland. They had previously delivered a Copa America crown in 2021, while also claiming an Olympic gold medal alongside one another at the Beijing Games in 2008.

Their respective careers are coming to a close, with both men now 36 years of age. They are showing no sign of slowing down for now, though, and Scaloni is delighted to have them on board for a Copa America title defence in the United States.

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Scaloni has said of embracing all-time greats while they are still around: “It is a pleasure to see them train and play, how they give themselves. I am not worried about the future of Messi and Di Maria. It doesn't make much sense to think about when they're gone. Let's enjoy them now, we'll see what happens later. Messi is fine, he's happy. I have renewed ideas and strength. It's a nice challenge to defend the title.”

There has been talk of Messi and Di Maria being reunited at club level, with the latter approaching the end of a one-year contract at Portuguese side Benfica. If he leaves them as a free agent, then his career path could head through MLS and Inter Miami before a day comes to hang up the most distinguished of boots.