'It's not a farewell' - Angel Di Maria suggests Lionel Messi will play on for Argentina BEYOND 2026 World Cup

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.

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.

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.

Di Maria told TyC Sports: “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.”

Messi has won 194 caps for Argentina, scoring 114 goals. He will likely be playing on at club level after the 2026 World Cup, with a contract extension at MLS side Inter Miami being mooted, but it remains to be seen how many more international appearances he gets to enjoy.