So, let’s talk about the Paris Olympics 2024—what a rollercoaster! Spain just knocked Brazil out of the Women’s soccer tournament. Yep, the World Champions are moving on to the quarter-finals while it’s heartbreak city for Brazil—especially for Marta. This was her swan song with the national team, and getting booted like this is pretty rough for someone who’s played in five different Olympics. All thanks to those two dreaded words: Red card.

Brazil ended up finishing third in their group stage, but honestly, what stole everyone’s attention was Marta’s red card right before halftime. She went for a high ball but missed completely and ended up hitting Spain’s Olga Carmona instead—no surprise that the ref had to show her a card for that one. Now we’re all left wondering if this is how the 38-year-old is going to say goodbye and wrap up her incredible career.

If you’re not familiar, last year when Marta announced she’d be hanging up her boots at the end of this year. Right now, Brazil doesn’t have any matches lined up post-Olympics—which means this could be it for them. But wait! There might still be a ray of hope; they could set up some friendly matches since there are still five months left in 2023.

They might even want to throw together a big farewell game for Marta. Also, there’s this glimmer of hope! If Canada and New Zealand end up losing their match in Group A, then Brazil can slide right into the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams.

Sure, the Brazilian icon won’t be able to play in that quarter-final since she got a red card, but if the team keeps going strong and makes it through, she could come back later on! There is also another wild possibility. What if Marta hadn’t actually played her last match yet? Remember how Lionel Messi came back from international retirement? Well, there’s a slim chance she could do something similar.

Can Marta play at the World Cup in 2027?

The last possible way for the Spain match to not be her last is if Marta decides to come out of retirement. Imagine the Brazilian forward deciding to lace up her cleats again and rock the Brazil jersey for the 2027 World Cup! Why do we think this might happen? Well, the 2027 World Cup is going down in Brazil, for the first time in its rich history. Plus, after Brazil scored that sweet win to host the tournament, Marta was all smiles and said she felt ‘happy’ about it.

Also, coming out of retirement isn’t totally crazy either. We’ve seen legends like Paul Scholes, Johan Cruyff, and even Messi pull off comebacks. Sure, it’s kind of a long shot since she’ll be 41 by then, but just imagine her playing in her seventh World Cup right in front of her hometown crowd! For now, though, it looks like that match against Spain might just have been our farewell glimpse of Marta on the field.