Messi's Future: Will He Retire After World Cup Win?

Lionel Messi: To Retire or Not to Retire from International Football?

With the 2022 World Cup behind us and the dust settled on Argentina’s thrilling victory, the football world buzzes with one major question – will Lionel Messi, now with international football’s ultimate accolade under his belt, hang up his boots on his international career?

At 35, Lionel Messi, often touted as the ‘Greatest of All Time’, has had an illustrious journey with Argentina. His debut in 2005 at the tender age of 18 marked the beginning of what would be an extraordinary international career characterized by dazzling skill, heart-stopping goals, and a relentless quest for glory.

Messi’s international saga is punctuated by a series of highs and painful lows. Before achieving World Cup glory, Messi experienced near-misses in major tournaments that would have disheartened lesser spirits. He endured heartbreaking finals in the 2014 World Cup and Copa America defeats in 2007, 2015, and 2016. In fact, the loss in 2016 was so devastating that Messi briefly retired from international football, a decision he later reversed, propelling him on a path toward redemption.

Then, in a twist befitting a player of his stature, Messi led Argentina to victory in the Copa America 2021, an emotional win that saw him lift his first major trophy for his country. This victory was not just about triumph but vindication; his euphoric tears a mirror to a nation whose hopes and frustrations had long entwined with his own career. The stage was thus set for Qatar 2022, which many speculated would be Messi’s final bow on the world stage.

Fast forward to December 2022, Lusail Stadium witnessed Messi putting on a performance that would forever etch his name into the annals of football history. Leading his team to World Cup glory, Messi scored twice in a dramatic final against France, a match that not only saw explosive football but one that required a nerve-wracking penalty shootout to decide the winner. Messi’s crowning as World Cup champion seemed the perfect culmination to his international journey – a journey fueled by both passion for his nation and an indomitable will to win.

The Speculations Post-World Cup

Post-World Cup, the football fraternity is abuzz with speculation. Will Messi, having finally clinched the trophy that eluded him for years, decide to retire from international football? History shows that athletes often choose to bow out at the pinnacle of their careers, leaving behind a legacy untarnished by the inevitable decline that age brings.

Retirement at this juncture might make sense for Messi. His career at the club level continues, currently with Paris Saint-Germain, and focusing solely on club commitments could lessen the physical and mental burdens that come with juggling a bustling international schedule. Furthermore, stepping back now would give Argentina the space to transition and rebuild, fostering new talents who can carry forward Messi’s legacy under the sky-blue and white banner.

However, those close to Messi suggest that his love for the game and national pride are as fierce as ever. The allure of possibly competing in one more Copa America or even helping his young teammates navigate the path he once walked could keep him in the game for a while longer.

As speculation swirls, Messi himself has been somewhat reticent regarding his future plans. Nevertheless, he has expressed immense gratitude towards his fans and an unwavering commitment to his sport, stating post-World Cup, “I love football, it’s what I do.” This statement, although simple, might indicate Messi’s reluctance to depart from the international scene just yet.

Only time will tell what decision Messi will make regarding his future in international football. Whether he chooses to continue playing or retires, Lionel Messi’s impact on the game and his national team is indelible. For now, fans can only wait, hope, and reflect on a career that has brought them so much joy and pride.