Lionel Messi Retirement: Farewell to the Greatest of All Time

Messi and Ronaldo’s retirement paths are different but equally historic.

 

Lionel Messi Retirement: Everything We Know About His Final Years in Football

When will Lionel Messi retire? This is the question that football fans, journalists, and even fellow players are asking in 2025. At 38 years old, the Argentine legend continues to amaze audiences with his skill at Inter Miami, but speculation about his retirement has never been stronger. Unlike many stars who plan their exit years ahead, Messi insists that he will only retire when he no longer enjoys the game or feels he cannot contribute to his team. This approach keeps fans guessing and ensures that the debate about Messi’s future stays alive across the globe.

Related: Taylor Swift vs BTS: Who dominates global charts?

Messi’s Current Contract Situation at Inter Miami

Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, creating shockwaves in the football world. His arrival transformed not only the club but also Major League Soccer as a whole. By 2025, reports from AP News suggest that Messi is close to extending his contract beyond its original end date of 2025, possibly up to 2026, aligning with the World Cup that year.

Inter Miami is also building a new stadium, and keeping Messi is central to their strategy. According to ESPN, Messi is expected to remain the face of the club’s project, which makes retirement less likely in the immediate future.

Messi and the 2026 World Cup

One of the biggest questions fans are asking is whether Messi will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While he led Argentina to glory in Qatar 2022, he has admitted in interviews that he is unsure about competing at 39 years old. Reuters recently reported that Messi remains doubtful, citing age and physical condition as the main factors.

Argentina’s coaching staff hopes he will stay, even in a mentoring role, because his leadership continues to inspire younger teammates. If he does play, it could mark one of the most emotional World Cup stories in history.

What Messi Says About Retirement

Messi has always maintained that retirement will come when he no longer enjoys football or feels that he cannot help his team. In an interview with DAZN, he explained that the decision will be personal and not dictated by public expectation.

There is also speculation that he may return briefly to his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, before calling time on his career. This would give Argentine fans a final chance to see him play on home soil.

Messi’s Legacy Beyond Retirement

Even after he retires, Messi’s legacy is secure. With eight Ballon d’Or titles, four Champions League trophies, and a World Cup, his name will forever be etched in football history. But retirement will not mark the end of his influence. Messi could become a coach, ambassador, or even part-owner of a club. His role in promoting football in the United States is already significant, and he may continue shaping the sport from outside the pitch.

Messi vs Ronaldo: The Retirement Debate

No discussion of Messi’s retirement would be complete without comparing him to Cristiano Ronaldo. While Messi continues in Major League Soccer, Ronaldo is playing with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Both are in the twilight of their careers, but their approaches to retirement differ.

Ronaldo has openly spoken about wanting to play until his body no longer allows it, whereas Messi focuses on enjoyment and contribution. This subtle difference highlights their contrasting personalities. For fans, the debate about who will retire first—and who will leave a greater legacy—remains as fiery as their on-field rivalry.

Explore more trending stories: Visit Videoslides for the latest updates

---

Conclusion: A Farewell to the Greatest

Lionel Messi retirement is more than the end of a career, it is a global event. His last match will forever be etched in the history of football. From Barcelona to PSG, Inter Miami to Argentina, Messi proved time and again why he is called the greatest football player of all time. His legacy will inspire generations, keeping his name alive in the hearts of millions of fans.