Lionel Messi, the Argentine football icon, has expressed his intention to conclude his illustrious playing career at Inter Miami. However, Messi clarified that he is not planning to depart from the club in the immediate future. Messi’s contract with the MLS team extends until the conclusion of the 2025 season. These remarks were made by Messi in an interview with ESPN, which is set to air on Wednesday.
“Yes, as of today, I think it’s going to be my last club,” Messi told ESPN.
Despite his plans to eventually conclude his career at Inter Miami, Lionel Messi emphasized that he is not yet prepared to retire from football altogether. The football legend, who will turn 37 on June 24, enjoyed a storied career with Barcelona, winning numerous titles including four Champions League trophies and 10 La Liga titles.
Messi also played a pivotal role in Argentina’s victories in the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup, and he is set to represent his country in the upcoming Copa America tournament in the United States. After leaving Barcelona in 2021, Messi had stints with Paris Saint-Germain from 2021 to 2023 before joining Inter Miami last year, contributing to the club’s Leagues Cup triumph.
“It was a difficult step to leave Europe to come here,” Messi said.
“The fact of having been world champion helped a lot to see things differently also.”
Messi’s star turn raised the profile for MLS in the United States, matches selling out wherever he plays and his shirt by far the most popular among MLS jersey purchasers.
Messi now ponders playing for his homeland in the 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the USA with Mexico and Canada, and is contemplating the end of his incredible career.
“My whole life I did this. I love playing ball. I enjoy the training, the day every day, of the matches. A little afraid that everything will end,” Messi said.
“I try to enjoy. That’s why I enjoy everything much more, because I’m aware that there’s less and less to go and I have a good time at the club.
“How lucky I am to have colleagues and friends by my side. I had a good time in the selection, where I have teammates and friends too, and many of them, and I enjoy the little details that I know I’m going to miss when I don’t play anymore.”
