At 48 years old, John Cena — one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling — has entered the final chapter of his storied career in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The legendary wrestler, actor, and former rapper has announced that he has only 10 appearances left before officially retiring from the squared circle. To mark this emotional countdown, Cena took to social media and posted a photograph of Lionel Messi, the Argentine football icon and current Inter Miami star, symbolizing the shared legacy of greatness between the two global superstars.
The image, which showed Messi in his iconic Barcelona No. 10 shirt, carried multiple layers of meaning. For Cena, the number “10” now defines the remaining steps in his wrestling journey, while Messi himself represents the pinnacle of excellence in sport — a figure who has dominated his field for nearly two decades. By sharing Messi’s photo, Cena connected his farewell tour to the aura of one of football’s greatest legends.
John Cena has been a cornerstone of WWE for more than two decades, debuting in 2002 and quickly rising to become one of the most decorated and beloved wrestlers in history. Known for his catchphrases like “You can’t see me” and his signature finishing move, the Attitude Adjustment, Cena built a career that transcended wrestling. Now, with his in-ring days drawing to a close, Cena has confirmed that he has 10 appearances left on WWE programming. Out of these, four will be official matches at major events. This structure ensures that Cena’s farewell will be both celebrated and remembered, giving fans one last opportunity to see him compete on the biggest stages.
The decision reflects not just Cena’s age but also his expanding commitments outside of wrestling. Having become a successful Hollywood actor, appearing in blockbuster films such as The Suicide Squad and Fast & Furious 9, Cena has built a career that extends beyond the ring. His retirement tour acknowledges the passing of an era in WWE, while also allowing him to exit gracefully on his own terms.By posting Lionel Messi’s photo, Cena sent a message that resonated with fans across both wrestling and football.
Messi, now playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), continues to inspire millions with his performances. However, the image Cena chose was not of Messi in Miami pink but in the traditional blue-and-red stripes of FC Barcelona, where Messi wore the No. 10 shirt and built his legend. The symbolism is clear: Cena’s remaining 10 appearances mirror Messi’s legendary No. 10 jersey. Both men have defined eras in their sports, and both have become global icons who inspire far beyond their immediate fanbases.
For Cena, Messi’s career is a fitting metaphor — longevity, excellence, and a sense of history-making that transcends statistics. Fans quickly interpreted the gesture as Cena acknowledging that he, like Messi, has reached the stage where his legacy is already secure. Just as Messi’s career is celebrated as one of the greatest in football, Cena’s tenure in WWE will be remembered as a defining chapter in the company’s history.
The farewell tour is not without drama. Cena’s most recent match at SummerSlam ended in defeat, as he lost the Undisputed Championship to Cody Rhodes. That title has since been renamed the WWE World Championship, adding an extra layer of historical context to Cena’s final run. Looking ahead, Cena is scheduled to face one of his most iconic rivals, Brock Lesnar. WWE icon John Cena honors Lionel Messi while revealing only 10 appearances remain in his wrestling career.Their rivalry has defined multiple eras in WWE, with each man representing a different form of dominance.
Cena’s clashes with Lesnar have been some of the most brutal and memorable bouts in recent history, making this showdown a fitting part of Cena’s last run. Over his career, Cena has held 16 world championships, tying Ric Flair for the most recognized reigns in WWE history. Beyond titles, he has been the face of WWE for an entire generation, selling out arenas worldwide and inspiring countless wrestlers and fans. His contributions extend beyond the ring as well — through his charitable work, especially with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he holds the record for the most wishes granted.
