Lionel Messi Considering Retirement at End of This Year
Footyheadlines says the 39-year-old Inter Miami forward has not decided but is seriously weighing retirement, after quitting Argentina's national team.
Lionel Messi may retire from football at the end of this year, according to Footyheadlines, as relayed by Lenta.ru. The site says the 39-year-old Inter Miami forward has not made a final decision but is seriously considering it.
On 31 August Messi announced he was ending his international career with Argentina, calling the decision painful. His farewell match is due on 6 October against Benin at River Plate's Monumental in Buenos Aires. It will be his 208th appearance for the national team, after 125 goals in 207 games.
Messi has 49 titles in his professional career, which the report describes as an absolute record in world football. This season he has 20 goals for Inter Miami, who are second in Major League Soccer with 46 points from 27 matches. Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz is next among their scorers with 13.
Earlier this month it was reported that Messi had reached a preliminary agreement to become majority owner of Eldense, a struggling Segunda División club. The deal awaits approval from Spain's Sports Council.
If Messi does step away at the end of the year, this may mean the current MLS campaign and any playoff run are his last. The Eldense deal would then be a possible first step in a life after playing.
About this article
Prepared by the editorial team with the help of algorithms, based on the sources listed