Will Lionel Messi End His Football Career Soon?

Speculations about Lionel Messi's future in football have been circulating for some time, with several factors suggesting that his career might be coming to an end soon. In this article, we delve into the possibilities and facts surrounding his recent statements and performances.

Retirement Speculations and MLS

Messi has been linked to the Major League Soccer (MLS) for a while, with some suggesting that it could serve as a pre-retirement stage for the Argentine star. However, given his remarkable skill level and the level of competition in MLS, it seems unlikely that he will be content there for long. He may not be at his peak, but Messi's presence in any league demands top-tier competition, and the MLS does not currently provide that.

Messi once mentioned that he would stop playing football when he no longer feels happy doing it. This statement raises the question of when he will say goodbye to the game he has loved for so many years. Given his current contract and the typical career spans of top footballers, many predict that he will retire in 2025 after finishing his MLS contract. However, his active participation and excellence on the field show no signs of slowing down.

A New Challenge: Soccer

Despite ending his stint with football in the 2022-2023 season, the term "Soccer" should not be mistaken for a mere placeholder for American football. To those who label it as such, the term is a misnomer. The "Soccer" referred to here is the American name for the sport known internationally as football. It is not just a local phenomenon but a global passion, and Messi's move into this "Soccer" could mark a new chapter in his career.

Endorsement of Continued Play

While some argue that Messi is past his prime, a closer analysis reveals a different picture. Despite his age, Messi continues to amaze with his performances. He currently tops the La Liga goalscorer and assists tables. This claim is even more extraordinary when considering its equivalent in other leagues. In the Premier League, topping both the scoring and assist charts would be an unprecedented feat, combining more goals than Mo Salah with more assists than Kevin de Bruyne in the same season. This level of performance is not just twice as hard; it is rarer than that.

The physical changes that occur after turning 30 are undeniable, but football is more than just physical prowess. Mental fortitude and tactical understanding play crucial roles. Cristiano Ronaldo, who is just a few years older, remains a formidable presence. Similarly, Teddy Sheringham continued to perform at the highest levels until he was 40. Messi, too, had one of his best performances in the past year, clearly demonstrating that he is far from finished.

So why would anyone say that Messi is going to end his career soon? The answer lies in continued exceptional play. Lion Messi, at 32, is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in modern football history. He still has at least 2-3 years left, and perhaps even more. Nevertheless, once he finds himself no longer happy, it might indeed be time for a peaceful retirement.

For now, it is clear that Messi remains a force to be reckoned with. His performances speak louder than any qualitative analysis. His fans and admirers should enjoy the game as it is his last hurrah. The best player of all time is still with us, and we should cherish every moment of his play on the field.