Lionel Messi confirms Inter Miami as his final club

"There's not a lot of time left," Messi reflects on his career and future plans.

Lionel Messi, the global soccer superstar and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has confirmed that Inter Miami will be his last club. 

In an interview with ESPN Argentina, Messi admitted, “There’s not a lot of time left” in his illustrious career.

Messi joined Inter Miami last summer, leaving Paris Saint-Germain and marking his first time playing outside Europe in 20 years. 

Reflecting on his transition, he said, “I’ve done this all of my life; I love playing ball. I enjoy the practices and the day-to-day, the games. Yeah, there’s a bit of fear that it’s all ending. It’s always there. It was a difficult step leaving Europe to come here [Miami].”

Winning the World Cup has given Messi a new perspective on his career. 

“The fact we won the World Cup helped, it helped a lot, to see things in another way,” he explained. 

“But I try not to think about it. I try to enjoy it. I do that more now because I’m aware that there’s not a lot of time left. So I have a good time with the club, being lucky having good teammates and friends at my side.”

Messi is under contract with Inter Miami through the 2025 MLS season and has been performing at a goal-per-game pace this year. 

He has recorded 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 matches in 2024, leading Miami in the race for the Supporters’ Shield. Inter Miami clinched the Leagues Cup championship in 2023 and is poised for a strong run for the MLS title this season.

In the interview, Messi confirmed his future with the club, stating, “Yes. I think so, yes. Right now I think it’s going to be my last club, yes,” according to The Athletic.

Messi will also represent Argentina in this summer’s Copa America, hosted in the US. 

He played limited minutes in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Ecuador in Chicago and will start Copa America on June 20 against Canada. 

While this year may be Messi’s final appearance in Copa America, he has left open the possibility of competing in the 2026 World Cup, depending on his physical condition and ability to contribute to his team.

“How I am physically and knowing whether I’m at the level to be able to compete and help my teammates,” Messi told InfoBae. 

“There is still a long time until the tournament, but it goes quickly. I don’t know how I will be in that moment and if I feel I will be at the level to help my teammates.”