Lionel Messi plans Inter Miami to be his last club

Lionel Messi intends to finish his career with Inter Miami but has no immediate plans to retire. The 36-year-old forward, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, joined the Major League Soccer club last summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. Messi’s move to Inter Miami followed a storied career at Barcelona, where he secured four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga titles.

Messi, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, has a contract with Inter Miami until 2025, with an option for an additional year. Speaking to ESPN, Messi said, “As of today, I think it’s going to be my last club,” but added, “I’m not ready to leave football either.”

Despite speculation about his potential retirement, Messi’s performance this season suggests otherwise. He has scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 12 matches for Inter Miami, who are leading the MLS. Messi hopes to carry this form into the upcoming Copa America, where Argentina aims to defend their 2021 title. The tournament will be held in the United States, Messi’s home for the past year.

🚨 Leo Messi: “Inter Miami will be my last club, yes. As of today, it’s gonna be my last one”.

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“I love playing football, I enjoy everything much more because I am aware that every time there’s less and less”, told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/xpKUxCB0lS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2024

Reflecting on his move to the US, Messi acknowledged the challenges of leaving Europe but emphasized how becoming a world champion helped him view things differently. “I love playing football. I enjoy the training, every day of the matches,” he said. “I’m a little afraid that everything will end. 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. I enjoy the little details that I know I’m going to miss when I don’t play anymore.”