Will Lionel Messi announce his retirement in 2026?

Polymarket — resolution criteria

This market will resolve to "Yes" if Lionel Messi officially announces his retirement from club-level professional soccer by December 31, 2026, 11:59 PM ET. Otherwise, this market will resolve to "No". To resolve "Yes", the announcement must clearly state that Messi is retiring or indefinitely departing from club-level professional soccer with the intention of not participating in any club competition. The announcement must come from Messi himself or official representatives thereof. Only announcements which are framed as announcing a departure from club competition intended to be effective within 12 months of the date of the announcement will qualify (e.g., neither "I will leave club soccer in 2 years," nor "I will not play forever," would qualify). If Messi retires in a qualifying manner but maintains, renews, or announces his intention to participate in international soccer (e.g., for the Argentina national team), that retirement will still qualify. International soccer participation will have no bearing on this market. The primary resolution source for this market will be official statements from the named individual or authorized representatives thereof. A consensus of credible reporting may also be used.