Former Argentina teammate Angel Di Maria sets the record straight on Lionel Messi’s participation in 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup has been a hot topic as the tournament approaches, with questions about his fitness and form dominating the discussion. With less than a year to kickoff, Messi’s former Argentina teammate and friend Angel Di Maria addressed the debate, making it clear that the No. 10 will be part of the squad.

After turning 38 in 2025, the main question has been whether Messi can maintain top-level performance and stay fully fit to feature regularly for coach Lionel Scaloni. The debate intensified after Messi missed both games in the March international window and saw limited minutes in June, reigniting speculation about his role in Qatar’s successor tournament.

In an interview with Argentine outlet La Nación, Di Maria was asked directly if Messi would play in the 2026 World Cup, and his answer left no room for doubt: “Yes, yes. No matter what shape he’s in, Leo has to play the World Cup no matter what. It’s him, and he’s also the reason the national team keeps growing and the people keep their hope alive. It’s him.”

The winger then drew a comparison between Messi and Diego Maradona: “It’s like when Diego was around. It’s them, and there’s nobody else like them. They’re from another planet, they’re not from here. So we have to keep enjoying him, and hopefully Leo makes it in the best possible condition. He’s a phenomenon—let’s not waste the chance to keep watching him.”

Di Maria retired from international duty after Argentina’s 2024 Copa America triumph in the U.S., nearly 16 years after his debut in 2008. Now back in Argentina with his boyhood club Rosario Central, the forward remains convinced that Messi will, and must, be part of the national team for next year’s World Cup.

Messi influenced Di Maria into the MLS

Major League Soccer has transformed since Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, drawing global attention and millions of new fans. This so-called “Messi effect” appears to have reached even stars like his former Argentina teammate.

“I had never watched MLS, and now I’ve subscribed just to see Inter Miami’s games, only because he’s there, because I want to keep watching him,” Di Maria admitted in the interview, further proving the Argentine superstar’s impact on the league.