Di Maria Urges Messi to Delay Retirement After Argentina Defeat

Argentina fell 1‑0 in extra time to Spain in the World Cup final held in New Jersey, marking what many expected to be Lionel Messi’s swan song at 39. Former teammate Angel Di Maria publicly urged the Argentine captain to postpone his international retirement and remain available for at least another season.

Di Maria stressed that Messi’s experience and leadership are still vital for the national side.