Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the best two soccer players of their generation, may be rivals on the field, but in the game of life, they share surprisingly parallel philosophies.
From what keeps them motivated to how they view retirement, Messi and Ronaldo’s hard work, dedication and honest approaches can teach us a thing or two about living, persevering and succeeding. Whether you’re nearing retirement or already in it, there are lessons you can learn from not just their actions, but also their words.
In a nod to the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11, here are 10 Messi and Ronaldo quotes retirees, or anyone else, should live by.
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The shared philosophies of Messi and Ronaldo
1. “I enjoy those small details that I know I’ll miss when I stop playing.”
Lionel Messi, ESPN interview, Jun 12, 2024
At age 38, Messi knows retirement is on the horizon and that leaving the sport he loves is inevitable. Instead of feeling despair about his impending exit, he seems to accept his fate and enjoy the time he has left.
Messi doesn’t look for ways to hold on or wallow in self-pity and reflection. He knows retirement is coming, so he faces it head-on, and you should too. Plan and prepare for your retirement, and then enjoy those little moments while you still have them. Give yourself the chance to let go on your terms, savoring every last moment.
2. “Everything has a beginning and everything has an end. I’m going to have more time for myself, for my family, to raise my kids.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Piers Morgan Uncensored interview, November 7, 2025
Just like Messi, Ronaldo appears to have come to terms with the fact that he’ll eventually retire from the sport he loves, and he, too, is ok with that. He has a loving family to spend his time with once he gets too old for the game.
With his words, Ronaldo acknowledges that everything comes to an end, even a great soccer career. When that chapter closes, a new one opens. The important thing is to have someone or something to engage with to give your retirement a sense of purpose.
3. “Money is not a motivating factor. Money doesn’t thrill me or make me play better because there are benefits to being wealthy. I’m just happy with a ball at my feet.”
Lionel Messi, interview with El Mundo, reported in The Sun, March 19, 2012
Money matters, but for Messi, it’s not driving him; it’s not why he plays the game or strives to improve. Of course, there are perks to all that money, but Messi says his happiness comes “with a ball at my feet.”
While being a professional soccer player may not bring you joy, the point of that quote is to do something you love. Don’t settle for a job just because it pays well. Follow your passion during your working years, and the money will come, as the saying goes. And even if the job you choose doesn’t make you as much money as another one might, at least you are doing something you’re excited about.
Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami CF
(Image credit: Getty Images)
4. “You think the money is going to change my mind now…It’s not about the money. It’s about the passion.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, BBC interview 2015
Following your passion is a sentiment Ronaldo shares with Messi and is something that tends to become more important in retirement. Now that you have all this free time, it’s finally your chance to pursue your passion. Even better if you have enough money saved to do it without constraint.
Take risks and don’t be afraid to try new things when finding your passion in retirement. While you may think golfing will be your thing, it could turn out that you favor hiking or something completely different, like mentoring or learning a language. Having an open mind is the best way to find what truly gets you excited. Once you discover it, money won’t be able to replace the joy that it brings.
“5. You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.”
Lionel Messi, Fight For Your Dreams, Herbalife, March 2011
Nothing worthwhile comes easy; it often takes hard work. That’s what Messi believes to be true both on and off the soccer field, and it’s something you can apply to your home or work life.
Whatever your dream, it takes hard work, dedication and discipline to see it through. If you’re dreaming of building a big nest egg, it may require sacrifice and commitment to reach that end goal. If it’s to advance in your career, it may mean long workshops and classes. Whatever it is you want, you have to “work hard for it” like Messi and Ronaldo.
6. “Sometimes you plan one thing for your life, and as I said many times, life is dynamic, and you never know what’s going to happen.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Piers Morgan interview, November 17, 2022
Planning is important to secure your retirement, but that doesn’t mean it should be rigid. Life happens, and what worked for your financial plan before may no longer work for it now.
When planning for your future, it’s better to leave room for the what-ifs and unknowns. Create a financial plan that can adapt to the changes in your life and risk tolerance. After all, just like life is “dynamic,” so is the way you save and invest your money.
Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match
(Image credit: Getty Images)
7. “I lead a very normal life… I don’t live dependent on luxury or money to feel happy.”
Lionel Messi La Sexta interview Dec. 28, 2020.
Many of us chase material items during our working years, whether it’s high-end homes, fancy cars or lavish vacations. But as we get older, we realize those things aren’t what bring us happiness; it’s the relationships we have that are the true testaments to joy.
It’s easy for Messi to say that luxury or money isn’t necessary to feel happy, but he is on to something about it not being a requirement. Sure, it helps, but money can’t cure loneliness or a disease.
8. “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me unstoppable.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Instagram, Aug. 23, 2015
This is for all you retirees who are afraid to live because of what people may think. Don’t let them stop you. Life is too short to care about the haters. You have earned the retirement you dreamed about, even if some think it’s too unconventional.
For Ronaldo, the hate has motivated him to score more, train harder and win more trophies. It should get you fired up to explore new passions, embrace your freedom and make yourself “unstoppable.”
9. “Football is a job, but I’m lucky to have a job that I love.”
Lionel Messi Olga Streaming Channel via the Buenos Aires Herald interview, Sept. 21, 2023
Many people tie their entire identities to their careers, making the eventual transition into retirement feel like a loss of self. But Messi provides a beautifully grounded perspective: even a legendary career is ultimately a job. It comes with daily responsibilities, schedules and goals.
Whether you are still working or actively planning your next act, letting go can be easier when you think of it like that. You are giving up a job when you retire, not your life. There’s so much more you can do. Transitioning into your next act will be smoother if you find something you genuinely love to do.
10. “Day by day we’re getting old. Every one of us, you understand, it is normal. You have to adapt.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Piers Morgan interview, November 17, 2022
Retirement is a huge change, one that is hard for many people to adapt to. But it’s normal and something everyone faces, which is why you’re better off accepting and adapting instead of resisting.
One area of resistance for retirees is spending the savings they worked so hard to amass. But being too frugal in retirement can hurt them, especially if their money outlives them. A better approach is to adapt to their new reality and create a withdrawal strategy that lets them enjoy their retirement and ensures the money lasts.
Making new friends is another change that retirees often resist. They lose the social support from work, and are afraid to create new ones. That transition can be difficult, but if they don’t embrace it, they could end up lonely and depressed. Those are just two examples of why adapting is so important and why both soccer legends repeatedly extol the virtue of it.
Stay in the game
In the game of life, both Messi and Ronaldo prove there isn’t just one winning strategy. Whether you find your joy in stepping back to embrace simple family moments or in reinventing yourself, success comes down to honesty, discipline and passion.
As you look ahead to your own second act, remember that retirement isn’t the end of the match; it’s the start of a brand-new game. Use these two soccer greats as a blueprint, follow your true passion and play the game on your own terms to win.
Editor’s note: This article is part of an ongoing series featuring the best retirement quotes and wisdom from top financial experts, leaders, and public figures. Other articles feature Warren Buffett, Michael Jordan, Mark Cuban, Jimmy Buffett, Dr. Seuss, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Vince Lombardi, Dolly Parton, Ozzy Osbourne, Stevie Nicks, George Carlin, Billy Joel and Dave Ramsey.