James and Messi: Both debuted in 2003! Retired in 2026?

Original/Oxygen is a subway

James recently mentioned his retirement-related topics when participating in the podcast "The Pat McAfee Show". He said that as he grows older, he is exposed to this topic more and more frequently. He knew he was degenerating because his peak period was very long and he was still in shape at this stage - he even completed his eighth buzzer-beating victory this season, and was not sure when it would decline sharply.

James obviously refused to decline in cliff-like decline and emphasized his disdain to work, so he has been seeking to retreat bravely. Of course, it is not that you can end your career early if you still have the state. In the context of James's self-discipline and management, the unavoidable degree of mind activity becomes James' only judgment.

The degree of brain activity cannot be scientifically quantified. It is not suitable for tables or tools to monitor them. If the actual field reports are reflected, they do not meet James' requirements. But James also has a way, that is, use self-discipline as a reference. James said that if he could not come to prepare for the game five hours in advance, was no longer keen on training, and was not interested in studying opponents' tactics, then he knew it was time to retire. But now James will come to the scene to prepare for the battle more than five hours in advance, so he is not in a hurry to retire. It is just a prediction from the outside world that James may retire at the end of next season.

In the world sports world, there is a super giant who is very close to James, that is Messi. They are the most versatile, highest upper limit and first in the history of their respective fields. Messi and James are both players who can score goals and assist, and they can both change their teammates qualitatively. Even before Messi was injured, the major leagues in the US were still in a single round with offense and defense, and defense was never Messi's fault.

Messi and James are also highly the same off-field. They are both first love, wife, and there are no scandals. They can starve the paparazzi and gossip media to death in their private lives. They have a group of good friends whether they are in the same industry or outside the circle. Messi has Aguero, Di Maria, Suarez, Neymar, etc., and James has Wade, Anthony, Paul, Davis, etc.

Even their technical shortcomings and slandered fallacies are close: for example, the runner-up was actually criticized, the penalty kick (free throw) is a weakness in the all-rounder, and there is also a defensive walk (but Messi and James' walks are both tactical and strategic, and at the same time). From 2023 to 2024, both James and Messi won a national team championship, a club championship, and an MVP within one year. etc.

James and Messi may also perform at the same time in their debut and retirement. James debuted as the No. 1 pick in 2003 and made his debut. Coincidentally, Messi made his first-team debut in his career in 2003. The difference is that James joins the Cavaliers whose ancestors are too poor, while Messi is a giant in Barcelona, ​​but the same thing is that both James and Messi have made the club qualitative change to the greatest extent and advanced to the team's representatives. Both James and Messi may retire in 2026, and the time is about the same, which is also the result of the outside world's prediction. James has been reported to have retired after 23 seasons with the most playing history, and if Messi plays the 2026 World Cup, it will be the six World Cups, with the most in history.

After Argentina beat Brazil 4-1, Scaloni was asked again whether to persuade Messi to decide to play in the World Cup soon, and he said Messi would make a decision. It can be judged by Messi's love of playing football and his love for the national team that he is likely to play in the World Cup, and may retire after the 2026 World Cup, at most he will play in Miami International's last club season in his career that may or may not have.

Like James, Messi has been discussing retirement from time to time because he has grown old. He told fans at home in Argentina after the 2024 World Cup that he was not sure when he would retire and did not set a countdown, he just wanted to enjoy everything. Messi said he is old, but he is as excited as a child at home. He plays freely on the court and enjoys it very much. Messi's standards for retirement are similar to those of James, both of which are not about the body, but about the mentality. James's mentality depends on whether his mind is inactive, while Messi judges his value based on his feelings. If he thinks he is not good enough, or no longer enjoys the game or cannot help his teammates, he will retire. James and Messi are not willing to work hard. They will choose to retire at the stage where they are still in the first stage of the world. They may appear at the same time, that is: 2026.

debuted in 2003 and retired in 2026? Will these be the careers of James and Messi?