Messi says he may not play much longer after his father's death

Lionel Messi, the Argentine forward who spent the bulk of his career at Barcelona before a two‑year stint with Paris Saint‑Germain, has recently suggested that his playing days may be drawing to a close. The 36‑year‑old, who captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, made the comments during a post‑match interview following Inter Miami’s latest fixture, indicating that he is weighing his future options after more than two decades at the top level of football.

Messi’s achievements include ten La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, seven Ballon d’Or awards and the World Cup triumph that cemented his status among the sport’s greats. While he has not announced an official retirement, his remarks have sparked speculation about a possible departure from professional play, with analysts noting his reduced playing time and recent focus on off‑field projects. The football community will be watching closely for any formal statement from Messi or his representatives in the coming weeks.