Di Maria hails England semi-final as Argentina’s ‘true finale’ and calls for Messi and Scaloni to stay

Angel Di Maria says Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign “ended” for him with the semi-final victory over England, and has urged both Lionel Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni to remain with the national team.

Speaking after Rosario Central’s 2-1 defeat by Belgrano in the opening round of the Clausura, the veteran winger reflected on the national side’s run to the 2026 World Cup final and made clear he wants continuity at the top of the Albiceleste set-up.

In comments carried by Argentine outlet TyC Sports, Di Maria underlined how significant the 2-1 win over England in the last four was for him personally and for the country.

“The win over England was a great joy for all of Argentina, and that was obvious and made me very happy,” he said. “I am grateful to everyone in the Argentina squad forever.”

England victory ‘crowned their journey’

Di Maria explained that, in his eyes, the semi-final triumph was the emotional high point of Argentina’s World Cup, even though they went on to finish as runners-up in the tournament.

On how he viewed his experience in the competition, he said: “I suffered in every match, but the players found the strength within themselves and that drove them to the victories. Sometimes you win finals and sometimes luck is not on your side, but they raised the name of the national team high.”

He went on to argue that the team’s performances, and particularly the win over England, merited more than just applause.

“What they achieved and the win over England was the crowning of their journey,” Di Maria added. “For me the World Cup ended there, because they gave the country an indescribable joy.”

Praise and hope for Messi’s future

Di Maria was emphatic that he wants Messi to continue with Argentina for as long as the captain feels able, insisting age is no barrier to his influence.

“I believe he still has many years of playing and success ahead of him,” Di Maria said of the 39-year-old. “At the age of thirty-nine he proved he is still one of the best players in history, and there is no limit to his abilities.”

Messi led Argentina back to a second consecutive World Cup final in 2026, four years after lifting the trophy in Qatar, and remains central to any plans for the next cycle.

Backs Scaloni to guide new generation

Di Maria also expressed strong support for Scaloni, who took charge of Argentina in 2018 and has overseen a period of sustained success, including the Copa America title and the 2022 World Cup win before this year’s runners-up finish.

Speaking about the coach’s future, Di Maria said: “He is from the Scaloni family (one of the country’s traditional families). I hope he continues for everyone’s sake, because there is a good generation of young players looking for glory.”

“He will know what he wants,” Di Maria concluded, “but I hope he stays.”

Argentina’s campaign in 2026 ended one step short of another world title, but for Di Maria the emotional legacy of beating England in the semi-final, and the prospect of Messi and Scaloni remaining in charge of a new wave of talent, are reasons for lasting pride and optimism.