Angel di Maria optimistic that Lionel Messi will play FIFA World Cup 2026

Messi is anticipated to participate in the 2026 World Cup.

Angel Di Maria has brought an end to the contentious debate surrounding Lionel Messi’s future at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Di Maria, who calls the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner a player “from another planet” and likens him to Diego Maradona, is adamant that Messi be included in the squad even though the Argentina icon will be 39 by the time the competition begins.

Due to injuries, Messi has missed a number of recent Argentina games, raising questions about his capacity to stay at the top level. Many questioned whether Lionel Scaloni could afford to depend on the Inter Miami star with the World Cup less than a year away.

However, Messi continues to be the lifeblood of Argentina’s national team, as La Albiceleste looks to defend their World Championship; therefore, Di Maria thinks the discussion is pointless.

Di Maria insists that Lionel Messi will play in the 2026 World Cup

In an interview with ESPN, Di Maria said:

“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.

“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.”

After years of waiting, Messi finally realised his dream nearly three years ago when he guided Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was anticipated to depart on a high note because it was the only championship that had eluded him.

He did not, however, as he guided La Albiceleste to their second straight Copa America championship. Di Maria believes that without the No. 10 guiding the way, the World Cup stage would not feel complete.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Who has spent most time on sidelines with injuries?

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