At 38 years old, Lionel Messi continues to defy time and rewrite the standards of longevity in football. Instead of slowing down, the Inter Miami star is raising eyebrows with performances that seem to get sharper every season.

Mascherano on Messi’s Energy

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano recently praised his captain’s drive and fitness:

“Clearly, the Leo we see this season is an improved version of himself. The man runs as if he is 25 years old. When I ask him to slow down, he looks at me with those eyes and says, ‘But I haven’t started.’”

That spirit reflects a player who isn’t thinking about retirement, even when many of his peers had already walked away by this age.

Legends Who Retired Before Messi’s Age

Messi’s longevity is remarkable when compared to past greats. Pelé and Diego Maradona retired at 37, David Beckham at 38, Zinedine Zidane at 34, and George Best at 37. Only a select few, like Paolo Maldini (41), Gianluigi Buffon (45), Ryan Giggs (40), and Romário (43), stretched their careers deep into their 40s.

Messi now joins the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is still active at 40, as part of a generation that refuses to be defined by age.

A New Era of Longevity

Today’s football has countless examples of players defying the calendar. Robert Carmona, at 63, still plays in Uruguay. Kazuyoshi Miura is 58 and active in Japan. Luka Modrić continues to shine at 40 with AC Milan, while Thiago Silva (41) and Fábio (44) remain key figures at Fluminense. Meanwhile, Ángel Di María (37) and Manuel Neuer (39) are proving that experience and class still dominate.

Messi’s Golden Hour

So, is Messi too old to play soccer? Not at all. Age may be printed on his passport, but on the pitch, it vanishes with every sprint, pass, and goal. His current chapter feels less like a twilight and more like a golden hour, where genius, experience, and passion collide to give fans something unforgettable.

The real question isn’t how long Messi can play—it’s what new magic he will deliver before he finally calls it a day.