Messi Drops Bombshell About His Future as Barcelona Legends Alba and Busquets Call Time on Careers
Lionel Messi acknowledged that his "moment will arrive soon" following the announcement by longtime colleagues Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba regarding their upcoming departures from professional football.
Busquets, aged 37, and Alba, 36, will both conclude their professional soccer journeys at the conclusion of the 2025 MLS campaign, with their retirement timeline connected to Miami's playoff performance—the Herons are set to meet Nashville SC in the second match of the opening round at Geodis Park this Saturday.
Messi marked his 38th birthday over the summer and recognizes that his playing days are numbered, even though he recently penned a new deal in South Florida.
"To be honest, it's challenging," Messi shared with Fabrizio Romano during an interview for Apple TV MLS Season Pass, discussing the departure of two of his dearest companions whom he's worked alongside for many years.
"…because you witness that you've devoted your whole professional career to football, that the individuals surrounding you are beginning to depart, and you understand that your own moment will also arrive soon."
Messi's departure won't happen immediately. The new agreement he inked with Miami recently extends through the conclusion of the 2028 MLS campaign, at which time the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient will have just turned 41.
Leaving earlier would represent a significant letdown, considering how the organization connected his contract extension announcement with the ongoing development of Miami Freedom Park, the new venue scheduled to debut before the 2026 campaign. However, the prospect of Messi continuing beyond 2028, deep into his forties, seems unlikely in a sport where most athletes retire by age 35.
Will 2026 Mark Lionel Messi's Final World Cup?
Although Messi will remain active at the club level for several more years, the upcoming summer's World Cup in North America will likely represent his final participation in the premier global tournament. This would mark his sixth World Cup appearance, establishing a new shared record alongside longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo who would also reach six.
Messi would reach 43 years old by the subsequent World Cup in 2030. However, since it represents the centennial celebration of the inaugural World Cup in 1930, FIFA has designated Buenos Aires as a special venue for one match featuring Argentina to commemorate South America's significant contribution a century earlier. This would serve as an extraordinary return and 'Final Performance' for Messi should he manage to participate.
Messi has previously stepped away from international competition in 2016, an emotional reaction to suffering a second consecutive Copa América final defeat to Chile via penalty shootout. He also stated in 2023 that he wasn't intending to continue representing Argentina through the 2026 World Cup, though that stance has since changed.