Lionel Messi has hinted at leaving his current MLS club, Inter Miami. In a recent interview with ESPN, Messi acknowledged that his storied 20-year career is winding down.
Messi made his FC Barcelona debut at just 16, spending 17 successful years with the team and solidifying his status as one of the greatest soccer players ever, with 474 La Liga goals and 191 assists.
After his iconic stint at Barcelona, Messi spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain where he won Ligue 1 titles but fell short of a Champions League triumph.
Joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, continues to shine on the field. With 12 goals and 10 assists this season, he’s a driving force behind Inter Miami’s current top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Despite his continued success, Messi knows his playing days are numbered. Opening up to ESPN, he expressed a mix of love for the game and a realization that the end is near.
“I love playing football; it’s been my life’s passion. The daily grind of training and the thrill of matches are what I live for. The thought of it all ending is always at the back of my mind,” Messi shared.
While Messi didn’t pinpoint a retirement date, it seems that Inter Miami could mark the final chapter in the remarkable career of one of the sporting world’s biggest icons.