Lionel Messi, the star forward for Argentina and Inter Miami, has confirmed that he expects his time with the MLS club to be his final chapter in professional football.
In an interview with SportsCenter, the World Cup champion expressed, “Yes, right now, I believe Inter Miami will be my final club.”
The interviewer remarked, “I think the world is not ready for you to leave football,” to which Messi responded, “Me neither.”
Messi shared his apprehensions about retirement, admitting, “All my life I’ve played football, enjoyed training and games. There’s always that fear of it ending; it’s always there. Leaving Europe for the MLS was tough, but winning the World Cup helped me see things differently.”
At this advanced stage of his career, Messi focuses on enjoying every moment. “I try to enjoy myself more now because I know there’s less time left. I’m fortunate to be with friends and teammates at my club and with the national team. I cherish the small details and moments, knowing I’ll miss them when I stop playing.”
When asked again if Inter Miami would indeed be his last club, Messi hesitated but confirmed, “Yes, I think so. Right now, I think it will be my last club.” While this news might unsettle fans worldwide, Messi did not specify when he plans to retire.
For now, Messi’s attention is on Argentina’s quest to retain the Copa América. The tournament kicks off on Thursday, June 20, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where Argentina will face Jesse Marsch’s Canada. Lionel Scaloni’s team is in Group A, alongside Chile and Peru.
