Angel Di Maria, former Argentina forward, has urged that Lionel Messi be part of the national squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing Messi’s vital role in uplifting the team and exciting fans worldwide. Despite recent injuries that sidelined Messi for several matches, Di Maria remains confident that the Inter Miami captain should represent Argentina in the upcoming tournament.
Messi faced significant injury challenges over the past year, including a ligament injury sustained during the Copa America final, which caused him to miss ten games between club and country commitments. Further setbacks included missing four additional games last season and sitting out two matches in the current month due to a leg injury during the Leagues Cup.
Even with these physical hurdles, Di Maria expressed no doubt about Messi’s participation in the next World Cup and highlighted Messi’s unique influence on the team’s progress. Speaking to La Nacional via GOAL, Di Maria drew parallels between Messi and Diego Maradona, underlining their irreplaceable impact on Argentine football and fans.
“Yes, yes. No matter what shape he’s in, no matter what happens, Leo has to play in the World Cup, no matter what. That’s him, and he also keeps the national team growing and keeps people excited. That’s him. It’s like when Diego (Maradona) was there.”
— Angel Di Maria, Former Argentina Forward
“It’s them, and there’s no one else. They’re from another planet; they’re not from here. We have to keep enjoying it, and hopefully it’ll be in the best shape possible. Leo is an alien. He’s a phenomenon—let’s not waste the chance to keep watching him. I watch Inter Miami games because I want to keep watching. I never watched MLS, and now I have a season ticket just to watch it.”
— Angel Di Maria, Former Argentina Forward
Messi and Di Maria were crucial contributors to Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph. Di Maria scored in the final, while Messi not only netted two goals during the match but also successfully converted a penalty in the shootout that secured the 4-2 victory for Argentina.
Insights from Argentine Journalist on Messi’s Contract and World Cup Prospects
Earlier this year, Argentine journalist Leo Paradizo linked Lionel Messi’s ongoing contract talks with Inter Miami to his preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Paradizo suggested Messi is prioritizing his fitness and managing playing time carefully to ensure he arrives at the tournament in peak condition, rather than seeking moves to other clubs.
“Leo Messi understands that at this stage of his career, if he wants to arrive in good shape for the World Cup, he needs to take care of himself and manage his playing time. He can do that at Inter Miami. Leo wants to play in the World Cup and doesn’t want to take risks, like getting injured or facing a demanding schedule in the months leading up to it, which could increase his chances of the muscle injuries that have troubled him recently. I think he’s closer to renewing with Inter Miami than moving to another team.”
— Leo Paradizo, Argentine Journalist
While Messi has yet to finalize a new contract with Inter Miami, discussions remain active as he focuses on maintaining his fitness and readiness for the World Cup. His decision to remain with Inter Miami appears influenced by the opportunity to control his playing load ahead of the major international event.
Messi’s Continuing Impact and What to Expect Moving Forward
Despite injury concerns, Lionel Messi’s commitment to representing Argentina in the 2026 World Cup remains firm, supported strongly by prominent figures like Angel Di Maria and media observers. His presence is viewed not only as crucial for the team’s performance but also for maintaining fan engagement and inspiring upcoming players.
As contract talks progress with Inter Miami, Messi’s careful management of his playing time signals his determination to extend his international legacy while ensuring he can compete at the highest level during the next World Cup. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how Messi adapts to minimize injury risks and sustain his extraordinary influence on the sport.