Lionel Messi is nearing the end of his illustrious career.
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the greatest player ever to step foot on a soccer pitch.
For two decades, Messi has delivered magic moment after magic moment, carving his name into soccer folklore with golden letters, collecting a laundry-list of unforgettable performances, goals, trophies and records.
From winning everything there was to be won with Barcelona. Leading one of the greatest club team’s the sport has ever seen, to ending Argentina’s 36-year FIFA World Cup title-drought by lifting the most prestigious trophy in soccer in 2022. Simply put. It’s the most successful individual career of all time.
However, the end is approaching for the career of the best ทางเข้า UFABET สำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ สมัครวันนี้ รับโบนัสฟรี player in the history of the sport. After more than 20 years of showcasing his otherworldly talent with the ball at his feet.
Here, Sports Illustrated goes in depth to analyize Messi’s possible retirement timeline. The insight he’s offered on the topic and what the future might hold for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Has Lionel Messi Announced His Retirement Yet?
The short answer, is no.
As of the summer of 2025, Messi hasn’t announced his retirement nor his plans to do so at any specific point in the future.
However, Messi has already bid farewell to European soccer in favor of MLS side Inter Miami. Given his age and that he’s already won everything there’s to win in the sport. Retirement has become a more talked about subject whenever Messi is mentioned.
The Argentine star isn’t oblivious to that and has recognized that his playing days are approaching the finish line. Yet, he’s still enjoying every time he steps on the pitch, not taking for granted any moment he gets to be out there competing at a high level.
Messi continues to be one of the top players in all of MLS. Even being a difference-maker in the 2025 Club World Cup. He also continues to feature regularly for the Argentina national team, only a year away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi on Retirement: Quotes and Insights From the GOAT
“The end is near,” Messi admitted during an event where he was recognized as the most decorated player of all time by Spanish outlet MARCA. “I’m enjoying and valuing every moment to the maximum. Thanks to God I can say I’ve fulfilled every dream I ever had. My biggest dream was to win a World Cup.
“I’m conscious that I’m playing my final matches and I’m enjoying them to the maximum,” Messi said after Miami’s win vs. Porto at the Club World Cup. “I’m sure that you’re watching my final moments in soccer’s elite.”
Spending time with his wife and three kids is something Messi values a lot. Attributing this to a key reason for his move to Miami.
“I’m at a point in my career. Where I want to leave the spotlight a little bit and think about my family,” Messi told Mundo Deportivo when his move to Miami was imminent. “I want to return to enjoying, enjoying my family, my kids, the day-to-day… and that’s a bit of why I opted not to return to Barcelona.
“I always want to enjoy my wife and kids, my family,” Messi said on MBC’s Big Time Podcast .“I play soccer with them [his kids] like any other father does.”
“The moment I feel like I no longer enjoy playing or I can’t play well, helping my teammates. I’ll make that step to walk away. But always, if I can, I’ll try to keep competing. What I’ll do after leaving professional soccer? I’ll try to do something I like and that fulfills me,” Messi added.
After securing World Cup glory in 2022, many believed Messi would put an end to his international career. However, Messi opted instead to continue, saying, “I’m not retiring from the national team. I want to keep playing as a World Cup champion with Argentina’s shirt.”
When Could Lionel Messi Retire? Predictions and Speculation
Messi has already revealed his final club will be Inter Miami. Where his current contract is due to expire at the end of 2025. However, reports indicate that there are negotiations ongoing for Messi to sign a new deal with the Herons for at least the 2026 MLS season. Where Inter Miami will move to their new stadium.
This situation goes along with the prevailing thought that Messi will participate in the 2026 World Cup. Where Argentina will defend its champions crown. Prominent figures close to Messi such as teammate Luis Suárez and Argentina manager. Lionel Scaloni have stated Messi wants to play in his sixth career World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also stated it’s his wish to see Messi play another World Cup.
It’s likely that Messi won’t hang up his boots until after the 2026 World Cup. Still, at 38-years-old, other factors such as his fitness, which has started to deteriorate, will play a significant role in his decision.
If we take Messi for his word. Then he’s going to keep playing until he no longer enjoys it or he feels he can’t contribute at a level he deems can help his team win.
With all of this being considered. It’s possible that 2026 is the last year of Messi’s brilliant career.
Will Lionel Messi Retire from International Soccer First?
If Messi extends his contract for another season with Miami. He’d be tied to the club until the end of 2026, well after the end of next summer’s World Cup.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Messi retires from La Albiceleste after the 2026 World Cup, regardless of Argentina’s performance. Still, there could be a ceremonial final match shortly after in Argentinian soil, where the nation’s passionate fans would gather in their thousands to bid farewell to their national hero.
For many years, international soccer was the thorn in Messi’s side. After winning a U-17 World Cup in 2005 and a gold medal with Argentina’s U-23 side in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Messi failed to replicate the same success with the senior national team.
At one point, Messi lost three major tournament finals in consecutive years. First, the 2014 World Cup final vs. Germany, followed by two Copa América final defeats at the hands of Chile in 2015 and 2016. The second defeat to Chile prompted Messi to announce his retirement from the national team. Although he later walked back his decision.
Then, his luck changed. With a new generation of players, Messi led Argentina’s side that conquered the 2021 Copa América to clinch the nation’s first major trophy in 28 years. A year later, Messi finally got his hands in the trophy he wanted most, winning the 2022 World Cup in thrilling fashion while also being named player of the tournament.
In the 2024 Copa América, Messi and Argentina defended their title and won their third major trophy since the start of the decade, putting the cherry on top of the most successful era in Argentina’s history.
Yet, it’s hard to envision Messi playing for La Albiceleste past 2026. He’s made his desire to play another World Cup clear. But he’s also acknowledged the need for new, young, up-and-coming players to take over the national team. This opens the door for Messi to retire from international soccer before he hangs up his boots for good.