Lionel Messi answers Argentina retirement question as Angel Di Maria confirms Copa America final his last game
The IndependentSign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Lionel Messi plans to keep playing for Argentina beyond Sunday’s Copa America final. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner spoke outside the locker room at MetLife Stadium, where he announced his retirement after missing a penalty kick in the shootout loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. I have to say thank you to all Argentineans and to this generation that has allowed me to lift so many trophies.” open image in gallery Angel Di Maria intends to conclude his international career after the final Di Maria joined with Messi to lead Argentina to it’s third World Cup and 15th Copa America title. “He’s always given his all and the best of himself and that he will retire in a final is something he simply deserves.” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni held out hope Di Maria will reverse his decision.