After Rosario Central's 2-1 loss to Belgrano in the opening of the Clausura tournament, Argentine star Angel Di Maria spoke about the future of the 'Albiceleste' team after finishing runner-up in the 2026 World Cup.

Di Maria, in statements reported by Argentine newspaper 'TyC Sports', confirmed his desire for coach Lionel Scaloni and star Lionel Messi to continue with the national team, indicating that the World Cup for him ended with the 2-1 victory over England in the semifinal.

Di Maria said: 'The victory over England was a great joy for all of Argentina, and this was evident and made me very happy... I am forever grateful to everyone in the Albiceleste delegation.'

About his journey in the tournament, he added: 'I suffered in every match, but the players found strength within themselves and led them to victories. Sometimes you win finals, sometimes luck is not on your side, but they raised the team's name high.'

He continued, saying that what the team achieved deserves more than just applause, explaining: 'What they achieved and the victory over England was a culmination of their career... For me, the World Cup ended here; they gave the country an indescribable joy.'

He also wished for Messi to continue with the team as long as he wanted, and said: 'I think he has many years of playing and success ahead of him. At the age of thirty-nine, he proved he is still among the best players in history, and his abilities have no limits.'

About the coach, he concluded: 'He is from the Scaloni family (one of the country's distinguished families). I hope he continues for the benefit of everyone. There is a good generation of young players seeking glory. He will know what he wants, but I hope he stays.'