So what's next for Messi?
- Thread starter Temptation
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FinBarcelonafan
Well-known member
First time in his career he is in a spot where he doesn't have to care about results. If he wins another CL for example, he will be the ultimate goat and if he wins another Copa, that would be just ridiculous..
So basically it's pretty nice situation. If he ends up winning any other major trophy, he is just a bigger goat. Not bad.
khaled_a_d
Senior Member
Those players loves the game and no surprises they try to stay in it as much as possible, it is the only thing they learned to do in life, and it will be totally different once ypu retire.
Don't get why people keep suggesting it tbh, retiring at "high end" is probably one of the most overrated things anyway.
Crujif did and regret it, played again in US for team called Washington diplomates ffs (worst team name in professional sport history? )
Pele ended his career in Newyork Cosmos, Maradona played for Sevilla and then went back to Argentina (and failed drug tests,had a lot of scandals among other things) and people barely care.
Xavi played 4 years in Qatar after already overstaying in Barca, Iniesta is in his 5th year in Japan, Del Piero played in India, Rivaldo played in Angola and Brazilian 2nd division. And no one cares and it didn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things.
Let Leo enjoy football as long as he wants, won't be even surprised if he plays till he is 40.
Hell, if he isn't retired from by 2026 I am almost certain he will play in WC to add to his participation numbers there.
Don't get why people keep suggesting it tbh, retiring at "high end" is probably one of the most overrated things anyway.
Crujif did and regret it, played again in US for team called Washington diplomates ffs (worst team name in professional sport history? )
Pele ended his career in Newyork Cosmos, Maradona played for Sevilla and then went back to Argentina (and failed drug tests,had a lot of scandals among other things) and people barely care.
Xavi played 4 years in Qatar after already overstaying in Barca, Iniesta is in his 5th year in Japan, Del Piero played in India, Rivaldo played in Angola and Brazilian 2nd division. And no one cares and it didn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things.
Let Leo enjoy football as long as he wants, won't be even surprised if he plays till he is 40.
Hell, if he isn't retired from by 2026 I am almost certain he will play in WC to add to his participation numbers there.
He won't leave Qatar even if he wanted to. I'm not saying he will be a slave to them, but they will make him an offer he can't refuse.
The World Cup final, being a battle between the two PSG stars is a huge marketing ploy for them.
They will want to leverage this for their brand deals and finally get a CL being led by these two.
Good a chance as ever this year with Messi having achieved everything and only needing to play 8 games more this season. Kheleefa heading up the ECA, VP of Uefa and washing millions of funds to FIFA, UEFA and France.
I'd say PSG have great odds at getting those close decisions and close penalty and VAR calls to get them to that elusive CL win.
And quite frankly, it's the best move for him. Let him enjoy football and be well paid until he can't perform anymore. This world cup he has shown he can still match the top players of the new generation when he cares to.
The World Cup final, being a battle between the two PSG stars is a huge marketing ploy for them.
They will want to leverage this for their brand deals and finally get a CL being led by these two.
Good a chance as ever this year with Messi having achieved everything and only needing to play 8 games more this season. Kheleefa heading up the ECA, VP of Uefa and washing millions of funds to FIFA, UEFA and France.
I'd say PSG have great odds at getting those close decisions and close penalty and VAR calls to get them to that elusive CL win.
And quite frankly, it's the best move for him. Let him enjoy football and be well paid until he can't perform anymore. This world cup he has shown he can still match the top players of the new generation when he cares to.
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khaled_a_d
Senior Member
Valdano already said that Messi told him he will aim for next WC if wins the 2022 (that was before the tournament).
I highly doubt Messi won't play it if he isn't retired from football entirely by 2026.
Raketa10
Senior Member
He will for sure want to score 2 more goals to reach that 100 goals milestone for Argentina. I am willing to bet that he will play 2024 Copa America.
JamDav1982
Senior Member
I doubt very much Messi would ever want that and to be seen as a token gesture.
Messi will stop when he believes not there on merit if not before that.
He will be trying to see if can still be of use at Copa in a year and a half most likely.
Another CL to make 5, become most decorated footballer of all time.. 50 trophies be great markerting number, 100 goals for Argentina and maybe another go at a Copa will be his aims would think.
To lesser extent scoring record in CL etc may be a target.
Messi will stop when he believes not there on merit if not before that.
He will be trying to see if can still be of use at Copa in a year and a half most likely.
Another CL to make 5, become most decorated footballer of all time.. 50 trophies be great markerting number, 100 goals for Argentina and maybe another go at a Copa will be his aims would think.
To lesser extent scoring record in CL etc may be a target.
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Windhook
Well-known member
I was wrong about that, Messi said he will continue to play for Argentina.
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