Lionel Messi Plans to End Legendary Career at Inter Miami

Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has revealed that he expects Inter Miami to be the club where he concludes his illustrious playing career, though he doesn’t plan to hang up his boots just yet. In an interview with ESPN, Messi, who is under contract with the MLS team until the end of the 2025 season, shared his thoughts about his future in football.

“Yes, as of today, I think it’s going to be my last club,” Messi told ESPN. However, the 37-year-old, who will celebrate his birthday on June 24, added, “I’m not ready to leave football either.”

Messi’s legendary career includes a record eight Ballon d’Or titles, four Champions League victories, and ten La Liga titles with Barcelona. He also led Argentina to triumphs in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. Messi is set to represent Argentina again in this month’s Copa America, which will be held in the United States.

After an illustrious tenure at Barcelona from 2004-2021, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain for two seasons before moving to Inter Miami last year, where he quickly helped the club win the Leagues Cup. Reflecting on his move to the MLS, Messi said, “It was a difficult step to leave Europe to come here. The fact of having been world champion helped a lot to see things differently also.”

Messi’s presence has significantly boosted the profile of MLS in the United States, with matches selling out wherever he plays and his jersey becoming the top seller in the league. Looking ahead, Messi is contemplating the possibility of playing in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, and is reflecting on 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.” He cherishes the camaraderie with his teammates and friends, both at Inter Miami and with the Argentine national team, and is savoring every moment as he nears the twilight of his playing days.