Lionel Messi’s Final World Cup—and the Death of Early Retirement

Professional football is seeing an increase in the average age of elite players, with many stars competing well into their late thirties and early forties. While young talent continues to emerge, veterans are extending their careers longer than in previous decades.
Why it matters
This trend challenges traditional views on athletic retirement and suggests advancements in sports science and training are allowing players to maintain peak performance for longer.
They were wrong.
The article uses statistical trends and historical comparisons to analyze sports longevity.
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