Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine footballer, recently faced a disappointing exit with Inter Miami at the FIFA Club World Cup. Even as his team floundered their way through to European champions Paris Saint-Germain, the Barcelona superstar’s future has truly never been more uncertain yet exciting. Messi has dimmed the glow Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, catapulting his career to further heights. As he comes to the end of his spell in Major League Soccer (MLS), hints of an ending are becoming apparent.
Messi, who signed with Inter Miami after being linked to the Saudi Pro League earlier this year, has embraced life in Florida. His contract with the club runs through the end of 2025. This keeps him one of the highest-paid players in the MLS, with his guaranteed compensation hitting $20.4 million that season. With Messi now in the twilight of his own immortal career, he is now thinking about what comes next.
Performance at the Club World Cup
In the most anticipated match of the tournament against PSG, Messi couldn’t score, though he rattled the frame twice. His thunderous header was denied by the rival goalkeeper, while a direct free kick rattled the crossbar. As the match ended with PSG beating Inter Miami, that would leave Messi pondering this result.
“They’re a great team, winners of the last Champions League, and they’re in really good shape. It was the match we expected.” – Lionel Messi
Even in defeat, Messi pointed out that his side made a positive impact at the tournament. He stated, “We tried to do our best, and I think we left a good impression at the Club World Cup.” As he reflects on the past season for himself and his teammates, Messi’s mind inevitably shifts to his future in the game.
Speculations About Retirement
In recent statements, Messi acknowledged that he is aware of his limited time remaining in elite football. “I’m conscious that I’m playing my final matches and I’m enjoying them to the maximum,” he remarked during a press conference. This surprising admission has led to speculation about whether he will retire after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Furthermore, Messi hinted at a poignant conclusion to his career when he mentioned, “I’m sure that you’re watching my final moments in football’s elite.” And his new teammates certainly hope to help him put a fitting end to his illustrious career with Inter Miami. This new-found wish deepens the paradoxical narrative arc at play.
Future Prospects and Barcelona
Speculation over a potential return to Barcelona has been an ongoing story since Messi left the club in 2021. Amid speculation, Barcelona is reportedly waiting for Messi to see out his contract with Inter Miami before attempting to bring him back after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The club will likely have to come to terms on a final $7 million financial debt payment due to Messi.
Messi’s reflections on his career path reveal a longing for Barcelona: “After the World Cup, I couldn’t see myself in another European team that wasn’t Barca. My goal was to come back to my home, where everything started. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.” With one eye on the present and the other on building for the future, both Major League clubs and enthusiastic amateur players await Trea Turner’s fateful choice.
Julian Alvarez and Rodrigo de Paul, two of Messi’s teammates on the national team, shared their excitement about having him join the league. Alvarez said, “With Messi, we might have scored two or three more goals,” while De Paul stated, “The best of our teams is always when the number 10 is playing because he is the greatest of all time.” This is a testament to just how much they revere Messi. It highlights all the things they wish for him to continue doing off the pitch.
Javier Mascherano, Messi’s coach at Inter Miami, remains uncertain about Messi’s immediate playing time. He began assessing if Messi would start the next match or be rested with fatigue in mind.
