"Let's enjoy them" - Argentina boss calls for fans to embrace Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria while they are still around
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has called for the national team's fans to appreciate Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria in the final stages of their career. The coach added that he was not worried about the players' future and was looking forward to defending the Copa America crown.
Speaking to the media ahead of their opening Copa America match against Canada, Scaloni urged the fans to enjoy the final few matches that Di Maria and Messi play together. He said (via GOAL):
"It is a pleasure to see them train and play, how they give themselves. I am not worried about the future of Messi and Di Maria. It doesn't make much sense to think about when they're gone. Let's enjoy them now, we'll see what happens later. Messi is fine, he's happy. I have renewed ideas and strength. It's a nice challenge to defend the title."
Lionel Messi will Argentina at the Copa America. The Inter Miami star has been in decent form but has also been dealing with injury issues this year.
Lionel Messi's teammate Angel Di Maria confirms retirement after Copa America
Angel Di Maria has already confirmed that he will retire from international football this summer. The Argentine stated that Copa America 2024 would be his final tournament with the national side.
He posted on Instagram:
"Well, the last qualifying match has come for me, I cannot express in words what fills my soul with the ovation of the people recently, I enjoy every second of that affection and that of my teammates, them, my friends, without them this story would not have the same meaning. The affection of each one of them made me who I am today."
He added:
"The Copa América will be the last time I wear the Argentine shirt, with all the pain in my soul and feeling a lump in my throat I say goodbye to the most beautiful thing that happened to me in my career, wearing it, sweating it and FEELING it with all pride. Thank you fans, thank you family, thank you friends and national team colleagues, we continue making history and that will remain for all eternity. Let's go Argentina!"
Di Maria has played 140 matches for Argentina and scored 31 times. 108 of those games (excluding Olympic games) have been with Lionel Messi, with the first one coming in September 2008.