"I think so, yes" - When Lionel Messi named the last club he would play for before retirement
Earlier this year, Lionel Messi named his current club Inter Miami as the last club he would play for in an interview with ESPN. The legendary Argentine playmaker has completed his career in Europe, winning everything with Barcelona and spending a two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He made the switch across the pond last year, where he expects to conclude his career.
He moved in 2023, following his stint in Paris, where he led the French giants to their continued dominance domestically. However, he was unable to lead them to the UEFA Champions League, failing in two tries.
Things have gone much better since his move to the USA, though. Mere months after he joined Inter Miami, Lionel Messi led the Herons to win the Leagues Cup and to the final of the US Open Cup.
Asked in an interview with ESPN if Inter Miami will be the final club he plays for, the now 37-year-old said (via New York Times):
“Yes. I think so, yes. Right now I think it’s going to be my last club, yes.”
However, retirement does not seem to be around the corner just yet, as he further explained:
“I don’t think I am (prepared to leave football) either. All my life I’ve done this, I love playing ball and I enjoy training and the day-to-day of matches. I am a bit scared of it all ending, that’s always there...
“I try to enjoy things. That’s why I enjoy everything a lot more because I’m aware that I have less and less time left and I’m having a good time... I have a good time with the national team, where I have team-mates and friends as well, a lot of them, and I enjoy the small details that I know that I’ll miss when I’m not playing anymore.”
He has already led Argentina to four trophies in less than half a decade, having recently won the Copa America 2024. However, he picked up a serious injury during the final, raising questions about his future with Inter Miami.
Inter Miami reveal Lionel Messi's injury update
The Herons were hoping they would have Lionel Messi with them over the course of their run this season, as they look to reach the MLS playoffs. However, the legendary forward has seen his fitness seriously hampered by injury.
Inter Miami won't have their star man for the foreseeable future, as they revealed in an official statement on their website. The statement noted that Messi suffered "a ligament injury in his right ankle" during the Copa America final against Colombia.
They will be looking to see Lionel Messi return to full health soon. In the meantime, their eyes will be on the available prizes, as they will push to potentially win a trophy after winning the Leagues Cup last season.