Lionel Messi, gearing up to defend Argentina’s Copa América title in 2020, expressed in an interview with ESPN Argentina that he is not ready to leave the sport, especially after winning the 2022 World Cup. The soccer superstar, now 36 years old, acknowledged that there is not much time left in his career and mentioned that Inter Miami will be his last club. Despite long-held beliefs that he would finish his club career at his boyhood team, Newell’s Old Boys, Messi joined Inter Miami in June 2023, shortly after leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup Final.
Messi’s move to Inter Miami was seen as significant for Major League Soccer, similar to when David Beckham joined the LA Galaxy during his playing career. Despite missing the playoffs in 2023, Inter Miami has seen significant improvement in 2024, leading the Eastern Conference standings. The team has also been strengthened by the arrivals of Messi’s former Barcelona teammates, including Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, with talks of his longtime Argentina teammate Angel Di Maria joining the club as well.
Throughout his career, Messi has amassed an impressive collection of trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles, 10 La Liga titles, and seven Copa del Rey titles with Barcelona. He finally secured his first major international trophy when Argentina defeated Brazil in the Copa América final in 2021. Reflecting on his career, Messi expressed his love for playing the game and the fear of it coming to an end. Despite the uncertainties, he tries to focus on enjoying the present moment and cherishing the time he has left on the field.
Returning to Argentina after a six-month absence, Messi played as a substitute in a Copa América tune-up friendly against Ecuador, which Argentina won 1-0. He had missed previous friendlies in March due to a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Inter Miami. Argentina is set to open the 2024 Copa América against Canada in Atlanta on June 20, with Messi looking forward to leading his national team once again. With a mix of experienced teammates and promising young talents, Messi remains committed to making the most of his time on the pitch before eventually retiring from professional soccer.
As Messi continues to make an impact on and off the field, his presence in MLS with Inter Miami has brought attention and success to the league. Beyond his individual achievements, Messi’s focus remains on the collective success of his team and his country. With a legacy that has already left an indelible mark on the sport, Messi’s dedication to the game and his willingness to embrace new challenges showcase his enduring passion for soccer. As he prepares to lead Argentina in another major tournament, Messi’s commitment to excellence and his love for the beautiful game continue to inspire fans and aspiring players alike.
