In the high-stakes world of international football, few headlines hit harder than the word retirement paired with Lionel Messi. As the Copa America 2025 edges closer, a viral wave of speculation has emerged, claiming that Lionel Messi has either already retired from international play or is planning a shock exit before the tournament begins. The term Messi Retirement began trending across platforms, and fans worldwide are grappling with uncertainty.
But where did this rumor originate, and is there any truth to it? In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized fact-check, we dissect the claim, trace its roots, consult experts, and examine the public response to give you the clearest picture possible of Messi’s future with the Argentina national team.
Messi Retirement Before Copa America 2025?
Where Did the Rumor Start?
The Messi retirement buzz took off after a misinterpreted quote from a local Argentinian sports outlet circulated online. The report hinted that Messi was “evaluating his options” post-Inter Miami season and may not feature in Copa America 2025. International blogs picked up the quote and, without proper translation or context, claimed Messi had announced his official international retirement.
Popular sports aggregators and clickbait headlines only fueled the confusion, causing the keyword Messi Retirement to spike across Google Trends, Twitter/X /X, and TikTok.
Who Was Involved?
The rumor gained traction when a well-known Spanish journalist speculated on a podcast that “Messi is preparing for a low-profile exit.” Though speculative, his statement was clipped and shared as fact. This, combined with Messi’s limited press appearances, created the perfect storm for misinformation.
Messi’s International Journey
Lionel Messi has had one of the most storied international careers in football history. After years of heartbreak with Argentina—falling short in multiple finals—he finally lifted his first major title in 2021 with Copa America, followed by a historic FIFA World Cup win in 2022.
Following the World Cup triumph, Messi expressed his desire to continue playing “as a champion” and hinted at being around for Copa America 2024 (later moved to 2025 due to scheduling changes). His move to Inter Miami in 2023 was viewed as a strategic choice to extend his playing years without the relentless pressure of European club football.
Given this trajectory, the idea of a sudden Messi retirement seems out of character—unless there’s more to the story.
How the Messi Retirement Rumor Spread
- June 28, 2025 – Local Argentinian blog Deportivo Norte publishes an ambiguous article about Messi “reassessing his international role.”
- June 29, 2025 – Social media sports influencers quote the blog without source verification.
- July 1, 2025 – A viral TikTok video with over 2 million views claims “Messi won’t play Copa 2025,” citing unnamed sources.
- July 3, 2025 – Spanish podcast Fútbol Sin Filtro discusses Messi’s future, stating “he may step back quietly.”
- July 5, 2025 – Messi’s representative tells TyC Sports: “Leo is fully focused on Copa America 2025.”
- July 7, 2025 – A misleading YouTube thumbnail using the words “Messi Bids Farewell” gains 500K+ views, further stoking retirement fears.
- July 10, 2025 – Argentine Football Association (AFA) releases the official Copa 2025 squad list, with Messi included.
Fact-Checking Breakdown
| Claim | Status | Source or Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Messi has officially retired from internationals | False | No official statement from Messi, AFA, or his representatives |
| Messi excluded from Copa America 2025 squad | False | AFA released squad list with Messi included |
| Messi said he is “reassessing” his future | Misleading | Translated quote was out of context; no direct mention of retirement |
| Messi told teammates he won’t continue after Copa 2025 | Unverified | No public or leaked credible source has confirmed this |
| Messi planning to end international career in 2025 | Possible | Previously hinted 2025 might be his last major tournament, but no final word |
What the Analysts Are Saying
Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano took to X to clarify:
“Despite rumors, there’s no official retirement decision from Messi. He’s focused on Copa America. Don’t fall for fake quotes.”
Sebastián Vignolo, a popular Argentinian sports anchor, added during a live broadcast:
“He may choose Copa 2025 as his swan song, but nothing has been said publicly. The rumors are premature.”
Even MLS analyst Taylor Twellman pointed out on ESPN:
“Messi moving to MLS was meant to prolong his playing career, not wind it down.”
These assessments paint a clear picture: while retirement may be imminent, it hasn’t happened yet—and certainly not before Copa America 2025.
Fan Frenzy and Clarifications
The public reaction to the Messi Retirement rumor was swift and emotional. Hashtags like #GraciasMessi, #Don’tGoLeo, and #OneLastCopa began trending. Some fans accepted the possibility with nostalgia; others went into full-blown denial.
Sports media outlets such as Goal.com, Marca, and Bleacher Report quickly published rebuttals to stop the misinformation spiral. Messi fan pages flooded Instagram with clips of his World Cup performances, pleading for “one last dance.”
In contrast, some football commentators criticized social media for spreading unchecked news, calling it “a disservice to a legend like Messi.”
What’s Next for Messi and Argentina?
With Copa America 2025 on the horizon and Messi named in the official squad, Argentina enters the tournament as one of the top favorites. Sources close to the team have confirmed that Messi remains committed—at least through the end of the tournament.
However, it is widely believed this could be Messi’s final major international appearance. If Argentina lifts the trophy, a farewell moment akin to a cinematic ending seems likely. If not, there’s still speculation that Messi may continue until the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
From a brand and commercial perspective, Messi’s involvement in Copa America 2025 is vital. His presence ensures high viewership, increased sponsorship interest, and elevated media attention for CONMEBOL and the hosting nations.
The Messi Retirement Rumor Is Misleading
After a comprehensive review of facts, statements, and context, our expert take is simple:
The Messi Retirement claim is currently misleading.
There is no confirmed retirement, and Messi is set to compete in Copa America 2025. While it’s fair to speculate that this might be his last hurrah on the international stage, spreading unverified claims as fact does a disservice to both the player and the fans.
Until Lionel Messi himself issues a statement, the term Messi Retirement remains speculative—not confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Messi retired from international football in 2025?
No, Messi has not officially retired. He is included in Argentina’s Copa America 2025 squad.
Will Messi play in Copa America 2025?
Yes, he is expected to lead Argentina in the upcoming tournament.
What did Messi say about retiring after Copa 2025?
Messi hinted in 2023 that Copa 2025 could be his final major international competition, but nothing is confirmed.
Why did the Messi retirement rumor spread?
A misinterpreted quote and viral social media posts triggered the rumor.
Where can I find official updates on Messi’s status?
Check the official AFA website and Messi’s verified social media handles for updates.
What teams will Messi face in Copa 2025?
Argentina is placed in Group B and will face Chile, Peru, and Canada in the group stage.
Could Messi retire after Copa America 2025?
It’s possible, especially if Argentina wins, but there’s no formal decision as of now.
Conclusion
The excitement, fear, and emotions surrounding Lionel Messi’s retirement are understandable. He’s not just a player; he’s a global icon whose every move is scrutinized. But at this moment, the Messi Retirement news appears to be based more on miscommunication than fact. Messi is set to play in Copa America 2025, and fans should focus on celebrating this legendary athlete while he’s still gracing the field. Until we hear it from the man himself, the only thing official is that Lionel Messi is not done yet.
