- Lionel Messi envisions Inter Miami as his final club but is not ready to retire from football yet
- Messi reflects on his illustrious career, including successes at Barcelona and hopes to play in the 2026 World Cup
Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has disclosed that he envisions Inter Miami as the club where he will conclude his illustrious playing career. However, he has no immediate plans to retire.
In an interview with ESPN, Messi, who is under contract with the MLS side until the end of the 2025 season, expressed his sentiments.
“Yes, at this moment, I believe it will be my last club,” Messi stated to ESPN. However, he added, “I’m not ready to leave football either.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner achieved legendary status with Barcelona, securing four Champions League trophies and ten La Liga titles during his tenure.
Messi notably led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America and played a crucial role in their 2022 World Cup campaign. He is preparing to represent Argentina this month in the upcoming Copa America in the United States.
Following his departure from Barcelona after a lengthy tenure from 2004 to 2021, Messi spent two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami last year. He played a pivotal role in the club’s early success, including winning the Leagues Cup.
“It was a challenging decision to leave Europe and come here,” Messi admitted. “Being a world champion influenced my perspective.”
Messi’s arrival has significantly boosted MLS’s profile in the United States, with stadiums consistently selling out and his jersey becoming the top choice among MLS fans.
Looking ahead, Messi contemplates representing Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. He also reflects on the inevitable conclusion of his remarkable career.
“Football has been my life. I love playing. I enjoy training every day, playing matches,” Messi shared. “There’s a bit of fear about it ending, but I try to enjoy every moment. I feel fortunate to have great teammates and friends at my club and the national team.”
Messi emphasized his appreciation for the small football details he knows he will miss once he retires.