Report: Messi is eyeing the 2028 Olympics as his international farewell
Lionel Messi, who turned 39 on Wednesday, is reportedly not planning to retire from Argentina anytime soon. According to England’s Mirror, the World Cup-winning captain has already identified the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games as the final goal of his international career, believing another gold medal would be the ideal way to close out his time with the national team.
Messi won Olympic gold with Argentina in Beijing in 2008, and the report says he wants to repeat that achievement 20 years later. At the same time, he remains focused on the immediate task in front of him, helping Argentina chase a second World Cup title. He started the 2026 tournament strongly, scoring five goals in two group-stage matches, as Argentina looks to defend its status as world champion.
The Mirror says Messi does not intend to keep playing until the 2030 World Cup, when he would be 43. The 2028 Olympics are described as a more realistic target and a fitting conclusion to one of the greatest international careers in football history.
Messi is Argentina’s all-time leader in appearances, with 201 matches, and in goals, with 122. Over his career he has won 46 team trophies, eight Ballon d’Or awards, the 2022 World Cup and Olympic gold in 2008. If his plan unfolds as reported, he would try to leave the national team with one more historic achievement.
