2026 World Cup: Di Maria rules out return as Messi, Ronaldo prepare for swansong

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

2026 World Cup: Di Maria rules out return as Messi, Ronaldo prepare for swansong

Angel Di Maria has firmly dismissed speculation linking him with a return to international football ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite growing calls for veteran stars to feature in the tournament.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United winger, now 37, said he has no plans to reverse his decision to step away from the Argentina national team, insisting his international chapter is complete.

Speaking in an interview with Spanish outlet AS, Di Maria reflected on his long and decorated career with Argentina, describing his journey with the national side as fulfilled and complete.

According to the winger, while the desire to compete at the highest level never truly fades, he believes the timing is right to allow a new generation of players take over.

“It’s not about lacking the desire. I feel I’ve reached the end of a cycle,” Di Maria said. “I achieved everything I set out to do with the national team. Now it’s time for the younger players to carry the responsibility.”

Di Maria revealed that he initially intended to retire from international football immediately after Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022 but was persuaded by teammates and coaches to remain available for the 2024 Copa América.

That decision, he said, proved worthwhile, as Argentina went on to lift the trophy, bringing his international career to what he described as a “perfect ending.”

“After Qatar, my decision was already made. The team convinced me to stay for the Copa América, and we won it. That moment felt like the right goodbye,” he added.

Over nearly two decades, Di Maria established himself as one of Argentina’s most decisive players, playing a crucial role in every major title the country has won in recent years.

He won Olympic gold alongside Lionel Messi in Beijing in 2008, helped Argentina secure the Copa América in 2021, lifted the Finalissima in 2022, and capped it all with World Cup glory later that same year. He added a second Copa América title in 2024 before stepping aside.

Despite renewed discussions about experienced players such as Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić featuring at the 2026 World Cup, Di Maria has made it clear he will not be part of any comeback narrative.

The Argentine winger officially retired from international football in 2024 and has since remained away from the national setup, focusing on life after his time in the Albiceleste shirt.

For Di Maria, the story appears closed — and by his own admission, it ended exactly the way he hoped.

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Chioma Ndukwu

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