Lionel Messi may have played his final match on the global stage during a disappointing 4-0 loss with Inter Miami against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup. At 38, the Argentine legend remains under contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season but has left fans questioning his future after this significant match, which drew a crowd of 65,574 spectators.
Inter Miami's manager, Javier Mascherano, acknowledged Messi's continued star power, even after a defeat against his former team. PSG defender Lucas Beraldo expressed his admiration, recalling watching Messi's skills on TV as a child. Messi's uncertain future is compounded by the looming prospect of the 2026 World Cup, collaboratively hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, leaving fans speculating whether he will emerge once more on football's grandest stage.
Having secured the elusive World Cup title in 2022, Messi has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. However, questions linger regarding his involvement in upcoming tournaments. Argentine teammate Nicolas Otamendi and Inter Miami colleague Luis Suarez believe he will remain until at least the World Cup, but Spanish journalist Guillem Balague notes that Messi himself remains contemplative about his next steps.
Throughout this latest game, moments of classic Messi brilliance surfaced, including an impressive long ball that should have resulted in a goal, though his free-kick efforts were less successful. While Messi's days may be numbered, his influence remains unmistakable, with records as the all-time leading scorer for Barcelona, Argentina, and Inter Miami.
As the match concluded, speculation arose that this could be Messi's last opportunity to shine on a world stage. If he does stay with Inter Miami, fans may witness fewer moments of global football magic, relegated to local competitions in North America. The next FIFA Club World Cup is set for 2029, which would have Messi lacing up at 42 years old. Time will tell if this was indeed Messi's farewell to international competition, but one thing is clear: Messi will always be remembered as a footballing icon.
Inter Miami's manager, Javier Mascherano, acknowledged Messi's continued star power, even after a defeat against his former team. PSG defender Lucas Beraldo expressed his admiration, recalling watching Messi's skills on TV as a child. Messi's uncertain future is compounded by the looming prospect of the 2026 World Cup, collaboratively hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, leaving fans speculating whether he will emerge once more on football's grandest stage.
Having secured the elusive World Cup title in 2022, Messi has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. However, questions linger regarding his involvement in upcoming tournaments. Argentine teammate Nicolas Otamendi and Inter Miami colleague Luis Suarez believe he will remain until at least the World Cup, but Spanish journalist Guillem Balague notes that Messi himself remains contemplative about his next steps.
Throughout this latest game, moments of classic Messi brilliance surfaced, including an impressive long ball that should have resulted in a goal, though his free-kick efforts were less successful. While Messi's days may be numbered, his influence remains unmistakable, with records as the all-time leading scorer for Barcelona, Argentina, and Inter Miami.
As the match concluded, speculation arose that this could be Messi's last opportunity to shine on a world stage. If he does stay with Inter Miami, fans may witness fewer moments of global football magic, relegated to local competitions in North America. The next FIFA Club World Cup is set for 2029, which would have Messi lacing up at 42 years old. Time will tell if this was indeed Messi's farewell to international competition, but one thing is clear: Messi will always be remembered as a footballing icon.
