David Squires on … Lionel Messi enjoying his true passion after Argentina retirement

Lionel Messi’s storied international career with Argentina has long captured the imagination of football fans worldwide, inspiring countless tributes, murals, and brilliant works of satirical illustration. SokaLive can exclusively explore the creative vision behind renowned cartoonist David Squires’ latest artwork, which humorously imagines the legendary forward blissfully enjoying his true passions away from the intense media scrutiny of international tournament football. Having finally secured the elusive FIFA World Cup trophy at Qatar 2022 alongside two consecutive Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, the diminutive maestro has firmly cemented his legacy as one of the greatest athletes to ever grace a football pitch before eventually stepping down from the Albiceleste squad.

The transition from relentless international schedules to a more tranquil lifestyle offers a fascinating narrative for sports satirists, particularly given Messi's historic dominance across European and American club competitions. After rewriting the history books at Barcelona—where he claimed a staggering ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League crowns—and later collecting two Ligue 1 medals with Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine icon now plies his trade in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. His remarkable individual trophy cabinet features a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, a monumental achievement that reflects his enduring supremacy in the sport and provides endless comedic inspiration for illustrators capturing his unique status in football culture.

As Messi continues to mesmerize supporters in North America and weighs the exact timeline for his eventual retirement from all professional competitions, cultural commentaries like Squires' cartoons ensure his impact transcends mere statistics. Inter Miami supporters eagerly anticipate his continued performances in the upcoming MLS fixtures, knowing they are witnessing the twilight of a truly unprecedented career that redefined modern attacking play. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, speculation naturally persists regarding whether the legendary number ten might make one final, unexpected appearance, though for now, he appears content orchestrating victories on his own terms.