Lionel Messi Aims to Conclude Career at Inter Miami
Lionel Messi plans to conclude his professional football career with Inter Miami, although retirement is not on his immediate agenda.
The 36-year-old forward, an eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient, joined the Major League Soccer (MLS) team last summer after departing from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His move to Inter Miami followed a distinguished tenure at Barcelona, where he secured four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga championships.
After leading Argentina to a World Cup victory in 2022, Messi signed a contract with Inter Miami extending to 2025, with an option for an additional year.
"As of today, I think it's going to be my last club," Messi told ESPN. "I'm not ready to leave football either," he added.
Despite nearing the latter stages of his career, Messi continues to perform at a high level. This season, he has scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 12 matches, helping Inter Miami maintain its position at the top of the MLS standings.
Looking ahead, Messi aims to carry his impressive form into this month's Copa America, where Argentina seeks to defend their 2021 title. The tournament will take place in the United States, which Messi has called home for the past year.
"It was a difficult step to leave Europe to come here," Messi acknowledged. "The fact of having been world champion helped a lot to see things differently also."
"I love playing football. I enjoy the training, every day of the matches. [I am] a little afraid that everything will end. That's why I enjoy everything much more, because I'm aware that there's less and less to go and I have a good time at the club. I enjoy the little details that I know I'm going to miss when I don't play any more."
Messi's transition to Inter Miami has been marked by his continued passion for the sport and his awareness of the finite nature of his career, emphasizing his desire to savor every moment on the field.
