Messi's Final Chapter: Soccer Legend Hints at Retirement Timeline as Fans Wonder What Comes Next
Lionel Messi is universally considered the finest footballer to have ever graced the beautiful game.
Throughout two decades, Messi has consistently produced spectacular moments, etching his legacy into football history with remarkable achievements, accumulating countless memorable displays, strikes, silverware and milestones.
From claiming every possible honor with Barcelona while being part of one of the most exceptional club sides in football history, to breaking Argentina's 36-year FIFA World Cup drought by capturing the sport's most coveted prize in 2022. In essence, it represents the most accomplished individual journey in football history.
Nevertheless, the conclusion is drawing near for the career of football's greatest talent after over two decades of displaying his extraordinary abilities with the ball.
In this piece, Sports Illustrated provides comprehensive analysis of Messi's potential retirement schedule, examining his statements on the matter and exploring what lies ahead for the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient.
Has Lionel Messi Declared His Retirement Yet?
The straightforward response is no.
As of summer 2025, Messi has not declared his retirement or revealed any specific timeline for doing so.
Nevertheless, Messi has already said goodbye to European football in favor of MLS club Inter Miami. Considering his age and having already achieved everything possible in the sport, retirement discussions have become more frequent whenever Messi's name comes up.
The Argentine legend is aware of this reality and has acknowledged that his playing career is nearing its conclusion. Still, he continues to relish every opportunity to take the field, cherishing each moment he gets to compete at the highest level.
Messi remains among MLS's elite performers, even making significant contributions in the 2025 Club World Cup. He also maintains his regular role with Argentina's national squad, just one year before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi on Retirement: Statements and Perspectives From the Legend
"The conclusion is approaching," Messi acknowledged during a ceremony where Spanish publication MARCA honored him as the most decorated player in history. "I'm savoring and treasuring every single moment. I'm grateful to God that I can say I've achieved every aspiration I ever held. My greatest ambition was winning a World Cup.
"I'm aware that I'm participating in my final matches and I'm savoring them completely," Messi commented following Miami's victory against Porto in the Club World Cup. "I'm certain you're witnessing my concluding moments in football's highest tier."
Quality time with his spouse and three children is something Messi treasures deeply, citing this as a primary factor in his Miami transfer.
"I'm at a stage in my career where I want to step back from the limelight somewhat and focus on my family," Messi explained to Mundo Deportivo when his Miami move was approaching. "I want to return to enjoying life, enjoying my family, my children, everyday moments... and that's partly why I chose not to return to Barcelona.
"I always want to enjoy time with my wife and children, my family," Messi shared on MBC's Big Time Podcast. "I play football with them [his children] like any other father would."
"The instant I feel I no longer enjoy playing or cannot perform well, helping my teammates, I'll take that step to retire. But always, if possible, I'll attempt to continue competing. What will I do after leaving professional football? I'll try to pursue something I enjoy and that fulfills me," Messi continued.
Following World Cup success in 2022, many expected Messi would end his international career. However, Messi chose to continue, stating, "I'm not stepping away from the national team. I want to continue playing as a World Cup champion wearing Argentina's jersey."
When Might Lionel Messi Retire? Forecasts and Analysis
Messi has already confirmed that Inter Miami will be his final club, with his current agreement set to expire at the conclusion of 2025. Nevertheless, reports suggest ongoing discussions for Messi to sign a new contract with the Herons for at least the 2026 MLS campaign, when Inter Miami will relocate to their new venue.
This development aligns with widespread belief that Messi will compete in the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina will defend their championship title. Key figures close to Messi, including teammate Luis Suárez and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, have indicated Messi desires to participate in his sixth World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also expressed his hope to witness Messi compete in another World Cup.
It's probable that Messi won't retire until after the 2026 World Cup. However, at 38 years old, additional considerations such as his physical condition, which has begun to decline, will significantly influence his choice.
If we believe Messi's statements, he will continue playing until he stops enjoying it or feels he cannot contribute at a standard he believes can help his team succeed.
Considering all these factors, it's conceivable that 2026 marks the final year of Messi's exceptional career.
Will Lionel Messi Retire from International Football First?
Should Messi extend his Miami contract for another season, he would be committed to the club until late 2026, well beyond next summer's World Cup conclusion.
It wouldn't be shocking if Messi retires from La Albiceleste following the 2026 World Cup, irrespective of Argentina's results. However, there might be a ceremonial farewell match shortly afterward on Argentine soil, where the nation's devoted supporters would gather in massive numbers to honor their national icon.
For many years, international football was Messi's greatest challenge. After capturing a U-17 World Cup in 2005 and Olympic gold with Argentina's U-23 team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Messi struggled to achieve similar success with the senior national squad.
At one stage, Messi suffered three consecutive major tournament final defeats. Initially, the 2014 World Cup final against Germany, followed by two Copa América final losses to Chile in 2015 and 2016. The second Chile defeat led Messi to announce his international retirement, though he subsequently reversed this decision.
Eventually, his fortune transformed. With a new generation of players, Messi guided Argentina's team that captured the 2021 Copa América, securing the nation's first major title in 28 years. One year later, Messi finally claimed the trophy he desired most, winning the 2022 World Cup in spectacular fashion while earning tournament player honors.
In the 2024 Copa América, Messi and Argentina successfully defended their crown and claimed their third major trophy since the decade began, crowning the most successful period in Argentina's history.
Still, it's difficult to imagine Messi representing La Albiceleste beyond 2026. He's expressed his wish to compete in another World Cup, but he's also recognized the necessity for fresh, young, emerging talents to assume control of the national team. This creates the possibility for Messi to retire from international football before ending his playing career entirely.
What Lies Ahead for Lionel Messi After Retirement?
As typically occurs with veteran players approaching the end of their playing careers, transitioning into coaching and starting a managerial path is often the subsequent step after retirement. However, Messi has consistently stated he has no interest in pursuing a managerial career.
It's difficult to imagine Messi completely departing from the sport. Together with Suárez, Messi has established a new football team in Uruguay, which might indicate his interest in ownership once his career concludes.
It's also important to note that as part of Miami's effort to secure Messi, they provided him with club shares, creating the opportunity for him to become a minority owner of the Herons.
Additionally, Messi has numerous business interests ranging from long-standing commercial partnerships with major brands like adidas, Gatorade and Pepsi, to personal enterprises including owning the MiM Hotels chain, several wine brands, and real estate investments in Barcelona. More than sufficient to keep him occupied after his playing days.
As potentially the most recognizable figure the sport has ever produced, Messi could also transition into becoming a sport ambassador, expanding football's global reach. Similar to how David Beckham and Pelé did following their respective retirements.
However, what's definite is that spending meaningful time with his family will be Messi's primary focus once he steps away from football. He's already made choices to enable this during his career's later stages and it will certainly be a top priority in his life's next phase.
Where will Messi relocate after retirement? If we trust Beckham's statements, then returning to Barcelona seems the probable destination.
How Will Lionel Messi's Retirement Affect Football?
Whenever Messi decides to step away from the sport, it will represent a monumental moment in football history, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary era.
The tributes from former colleagues, opponents, notable football personalities and millions of supporters worldwide will be immeasurable. Simply stated, it will be a historic occasion that will dominate headlines globally.
It will be an emotional day, particularly for the generation of fans who followed his journey from start to finish. The young boy from Rosario, Argentina who relocated to Barcelona and dominated the sport, only to achieve it again as an experienced veteran for his nation.
Make no error, it will be a day of grief in Argentina, Barcelona and numerous other locations worldwide.
However, Messi's retirement will also bring financial consequences. The revenue Messi creates through jersey sales, ticket sales and match viewership is enormous. It's challenging to determine an exact figure, but for perspective, when Messi temporarily retired from international football, FIFA match organizer Guillermo Tofoni stated that Argentina's football federation could lose "over $25 million in revenue" from 2016 until the 2018 World Cup began.
In MLS, where Messi's presence has created increased viewership, ticket sales and overall expansion, the impact would likely be felt most severely.
Nonetheless, Messi's retirement extends beyond finances. He's a global icon whose legacy will endure through time. His accomplishments on the field will remain in the memories of those fortunate enough to witness him play and there will continue to be numerous ways to relax and enjoy a classic Messi performance long after his retirement, thanks to his well-documented achievements.
Messi will continue inspiring future generations long after he retires. That's part of what accompanies being regarded as the greatest ever.
Messi's Retirement vs. Ronaldo's Retirement: The Analysis
Even when discussing retirement, it's impossible to avoid comparing Messi's circumstances with those of his greatest rival: Cristiano Ronaldo.
It's almost predictable that both players' retirement timelines are remarkably similar. Like Messi, Ronaldo is anticipated to represent Portugal in the 2026 World Cup. What follows remains uncertain.
At 40, Ronaldo is two years older than Messi. However, he seems determined to make one final attempt at winning a World Cup and achieving the monumental feat of becoming the first player to reach 1,000 career goals.
"I know it's going to end [his career] in one, two or three years. I don't know and I don't worry," Ronaldo stated in an interview earlier in 2025.
Messi and Ronaldo created the greatest player rivalry the sport has witnessed. Sharing the spotlight for over fifteen years and pushing each other to extraordinary levels. They were the perfect complement to each other, their rivalry was an endless source of discussion and passionate debates that became football's most popular topic for years.
Be assured, those debates will continue, with their devoted fanbases ready to argue who performed better after turning 35 and why retiring earlier reflects poorly on their career—or whatever else they can devise to defend their preferred superstar. Discussions about who was superior will undoubtedly outlast both Messi and Ronaldo's playing careers.
What's indisputable is that Messi and Ronaldo's retirement will signal the end of possibly the greatest era in football history. It's an era that seems almost impossible to duplicate. Two players being that exceptional for that long, achieving that much while competing against each other so frequently... it's unrealistic.
Therefore, while debating who's superior is natural in any rivalry, let's appreciate the final moments of Messi and Ronaldo's careers, showing appreciation for witnessing the interconnected journey of two of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen.