Is Lionel Messi really retiring?

There isn't much room for disagreement when it comes to Lionel Messi's status as one of the best football players of all time as we are all fortunate enough to have witnessed the Argentinean's inspiration and brilliance on the ball, which is nearly impossible to duplicate but his retirement time still concerns his fans.

The Inter Miami man has shown no signs of slowing down, even at the age of 36. He reached an incredible eight Ballon d'Or victories in 2023. Subsequently, he became the first player to win three FIFA Player of the Year awards in 2024, the most since the game's reinstatement. Even though he's past his prime, he remains untouchable, according to GiveMeSport.

Messi is currently at an age where many athletes would be thinking about retiring, as he is more closely aligned with his forties than his thirties. When we say that we hope that day is far off, we speak for everyone. We all have to deal with it, though.

During an interview in 2023 with TV Publica in Argentina, the legendary player from Barcelona acknowledged that he was nearing the end of his career and that he would soon be retiring from international football. 

According to TNT Sports' translation, Messi said to the station: "I think it will happen when it has to happen. Logically, because of my age, I’m sure it will be soon. But I don’t know exactly when will be the right time. I think about the day-to-day, enjoying everything beautiful."

The forward refrained from implying that his club career would end anytime soon, even though he might soon be hanging up his boots for his nation. He declared that he was looking forward to his new challenge in the Major League Soccer and that he would approach it with the same mindset he had used throughout his entire career.

Messi may be close to his ideal finale in terms of timing, since he has hinted that he may be retiring from international competition soon. Alongside Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez, Messi is presently playing for the United States, which is hosting the 2024 Copa America. The 36-year-old might view this as the ideal chance to withdraw because he won't have to travel as far for the competition.

Additionally, if Argentina is able to successfully defend their title, Messi and company will make history. With 15 wins apiece, La Albiceleste and Uruguay are presently tied for the most Copa America titles. He would find it appealing to lead Argentina to the competition's overall record, which has brought La Pulga both the finest and worst experiences of his career.

We believe that this year's South American tournament would be the ideal occasion for Messi to end his international career, should the stars align.