Why did WWE superstar John Cena post Lionel Messi's picture on his Instagram handle?

The 17-time World Champion is known for making cryptic posts on his social media!

WWE legend John Cena has once again stirred curiosity among fans with one of his trademark cryptic Instagram posts.

The 17-time world champion recently uploaded a picture of football icon Lionel Messi in his FC Barcelona jersey, sparking widespread speculation across the WWE Universe.

The focal point of the post wasn’t Messi himself but his legendary No. 10 shirt, which many fans believe carries a hidden message about Cena’s ongoing retirement tour.

Known for using social media to drop subtle hints, Cena has a history of sharing unexplained images that leave followers to interpret their meaning.

On his Instagram bio, Cena has long written: “These images will be posted without explanation, for your interpretation.”

His latest Messi-themed post is no different, fueling theories about what it could mean as he nears the end of his in-ring career.

John Cena’s possible message behind Lionel Messi’s picture

The most popular theory behind Cena’s Messi post is that the number 10 symbolizes how many matches he has left before his final bow.

With 2025 confirmed as his last year inside the squared circle, fans believe the former WWE Champion may be counting down his remaining in-ring appearances.

This would make sense given John Cena’s farewell tour is already packed with major bouts. His upcoming showdown against Logan Paul at WWE Clash in Paris on August 31 is expected to be one of the year’s biggest spectacles.

Beyond that, the idea that “ten” could represent his remaining matches has only added intrigue to the road leading up to his retirement.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Cena (@johncena)

John Cena’s final match plans

WWE has reportedly earmarked December 13, 2025, as the date for Cena’s final match. The event, scheduled to take place at TD Garden in his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts, will be part of a Saturday Night’s Main Event special.

That night, Cena is expected to officially close the book on his two-decade-long career. After carrying the WWE banner for years as its face, his retirement will mark the end of an era in professional wrestling.

Until then, the Cenation leader continues to use subtle gestures, like his Messi post, to keep fans engaged in his farewell story.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.