Messi's Future with Argentina: Day-by-Day Approach

Despite speculation about his retirement, Lionel Messi has reaffirmed his commitment to play for Argentina until the end of his career.

Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine forward, has addressed the recent questions surrounding his future with the national team, stating that he intends to continue playing for his country "day-by-day." Messi's comments came after Argentina's 2-0 semifinal victory over Canada in the Copa América, where he scored one of the goals.

"As I've said before, I intend to continue," Messi declared outside the locker room at MetLife Stadium. "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."

Messi's Future with Argentina: Day-by-Day Approach

Messi's commitment to Argentina is unwavering, despite having briefly retired from international play after missing a penalty in the 2016 Copa América final shootout loss to Chile. However, he returned to the team just weeks later and has since become one of the most prolific scorers in Argentina's history.

With 109 goals in international play, including 14 in Copa América games, Messi is just three shy of the tournament record. His goal against Canada on Tuesday was his 54th in 73 appearances since returning from retirement.

Messi's Future with Argentina: Day-by-Day Approach

Messi's future with Argentina will eventually come to an end, but he has no plans to step away just yet. His teammate, Ángel Di María, however, has announced that the Copa América final will be his last game for Argentina.

"It's my last battle. There's nothing left to say that I haven't said a lot of times before," the veteran forward explained. "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."

Messi's Future with Argentina: Day-by-Day Approach

Di María, who made his international debut in 2008, has scored 31 goals in 144 appearances for Argentina. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni hopes that Di María will reconsider his retirement decision.

"We don't want to start crying right now. We don't want to feel melancholy," Scaloni said. "We have to let him play and then we'll see if we can convince him or not to stay with us."

Messi's Future with Argentina: Day-by-Day Approach

Argentina is aiming to continue its recent dominance of international football. They won the 2022 World Cup and are seeking their second consecutive Copa América title. They will face the winner of Uruguay and Colombia in the final on Sunday.