Could Lionel Messi be entering the final weeks of his professional football career? After announcing the end of his international career with Argentina, the legendary number 10 could go even further. According to exclusive information from Footy Headlines, the former PSG player is seriously considering retiring from football altogether at the end of 2026.
At 39, Lionel Messi may be approaching the final chapter of his extraordinary career. Footy Headlines claims to have learned that the Argentine is seriously considering hanging up his boots once 2026 comes to an end. However, the outlet stresses one crucial point: no final decision has reportedly been made yet, and the information is not 100% confirmed.
Messi reportedly considering retirement at the end of 2026
The source behind the report is described as reliable by Footy Headlines but must remain anonymous because of the confidential nature of the information. The outlet also says it does not currently have an exact date for a possible retirement. Such a decision would come as a major surprise, as Messi extended his contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 MLS season, with the American club officially announcing its intention to continue its journey with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner for several more seasons.
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However, the situation has changed considerably in recent weeks. On August 31, Messi announced that he would retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup. At 39, the former Barcelona and PSG star has therefore already begun closing a major chapter of his career. If he were to retire completely at the end of the year, Messi would give up almost two seasons remaining on his Miami contract. For now, though, there is no indication that a contract termination has been agreed or negotiated.
The conditional therefore remains essential. But following his announced farewell to Argentina, the possibility of Lionel Messi leaving football altogether just a few months later is now being discussed. If the report is confirmed, 2026 could ultimately prove to be the final year of Lionel Messi’s professional career.
