The Argentine star, who joined Major League Soccer last year, told ESPN he believes Inter Miami will be his last team before retiring.
“I think so, yes. Right now I think it’s going to be my last club, yes,” Messi said.
Despite hopes that Messi might return to Europe or Argentina to end his career, his comments suggest otherwise.
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs through the 2025 season. By then, he will be 38 years old. Given his numerous achievements and recent injuries, he acknowledges he’s nearing the end of his playing career.
Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in North America is still uncertain. He led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup and will play in the Copa América this summer, with Argentina facing Canada on June 20. His decision to play in 2026 will depend on his health.
“I’ve done this all of my life,” Messi said.
“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].
“The fact we won the World Cup helped, it helped a lot, to see things in another way. 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.
“I enjoy my time with the national team, where I also have good friends, too, and a lot. I enjoy those small details that I know I’ll miss when I stop playing.”
Messi spent two decades in Europe with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. He has scored 12 goals for Inter Miami this season, leading them to the top of the Eastern Conference standings and securing their first major trophy, the Leagues Cup.
Miami will face the Philadelphia Union on Saturday and open the Leagues Cup on July 27 against Puebla.