New Delhi: Lionel Messi is keen to play for Argentina even after the Copa America final.
Messi’s future was a constant source of speculation in recent times after he helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He scored in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Canada in the semi-finals of Copa America and afterwards said he wants to carry on playing for the country.
“As I’ve said before, I intend to continue,” he said after Tuesday’s match.
“I intend to keep living day by day without thinking about what will come in the future or whether I’ll continue or not. It’s something I just live each day. I’m 37 years and only God knows when the end will be.”
It was Messi’s 109th international goal, his first in this edition of the tournament, which made him the second highest scorer in history surpassing Iran’s Ali Daei.
Messi had earlier retired after missing a penalty kick in a shootout defeat to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final but later made a u-turn playing leading roles in Argentina’s win in the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup.
However, Messi’s team-mate Angel Di Maria doesn’t see himself continuing for the national team beyond Sunday’s final.
“It’s my last battle. There’s nothing left to say that I haven’t said a lot of times before,” the 36-year-old said, who made his debut in 2008 scoring 31 goals in 144 appearances
“It’s my last game. I have to say thank you to all Argentineans and to this generation that has allowed me to lift so many trophies.”
“We’ve enjoyed him so much. He’s always given his all and the best of himself and that he will retire in a final is something he simply deserves,” Messi said.
Lionel Messi scored in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Canada in the semi-finals of Copa America to become the second highest scorer in international football Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
