(East Rutherford) Lionel Messi plans to continue playing for Argentina beyond Sunday’s Copa America final.
“I’ve said it before, I intend to continue,” he said Tuesday night after Argentina blanked Canada 2-0 in the tournament semifinals. “I’ll continue to live day by day, without thinking about the future and whether I’ll continue or not. That’s my way of life. I’m 37 years old and God only knows when this whole adventure will end.”
Messi scored his 109e goal on the international stage, and his first in the tournament. This is his 14e participation in the Copa America, three short of the absolute record.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner spoke to the media outside the team’s dressing room at MetLife Stadium, the same venue where he announced his retirement after missing a penalty in a Copa America final defeat to Chile in 2016. He reversed his decision seven weeks later and has since scored 54 goals in 73 international games, taking his tally to 186 appearances for Argentina and helping them win the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup.
His teammate Angel Di Maria plans to announce his retirement after Sunday’s game against Uruguay or Colombia in Miami Gardens, Fla. The 36-year-old veteran first represented his country on the international stage in 2008 and has 31 goals in 144 games.
“This will be my last battle. There is nothing I can add to what I have already said,” Di Maria said. “This will be my last match. I have to thank all the Argentines and this generation, who have allowed me to lift so many trophies (during my career).”
The South American qualifying process for the next World Cup will resume in September, with each national team having to play 12 additional matches. The World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026.