Lionel Messi, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, showcased moments of brilliance in what may have been his final significant match on an international stage. Despite his team's 4-0 loss against PSG, questions about Messi's future remain, particularly regarding his participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi's Future in Football: Is This the End of His Global Journey?
Lionel Messi's Future in Football: Is This the End of His Global Journey?
As Messi takes to the field for potential last time in a major tournament, fans ponder his next steps in football.
In an emotional display, Lionel Messi may have graced the global stage for the last time during a disappointing 4-0 defeat at the hands of his former team, Paris St-Germain, in the Club World Cup. At 38 years old, Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, demonstrated flashes of brilliance but ultimately could not salvage a victory. Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano noted the significance of having Messi as a draw, stating, "People still pay for a ticket to see Leo Messi, even at 38 years old."
The game drew a large crowd of 65,574 fans, highlighting Messi's enduring appeal, despite the heavy loss. However, the question lingers: is this truly the world’s last chance to watch Messi on a prestigious global stage? Currently under contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2025 MLS season, there is uncertainty around his future in professional football. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, also set to take place in the US, alongside Mexico and Canada, speculation grows about whether Messi will take part.
Picking up insights from his teammates, Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi and fellow Inter Miami player Luis Suarez anticipate that Messi will continue playing until at least the 2026 tournament. Meanwhile, Guillem Balague, an authority on Messi's career, expressed uncertainty by noting, "Nobody knows, least of all, Messi himself." This reflects Messi's current approach, as he reportedly is taking things "game by game, tournament by tournament."
Having completed the milestone of winning the World Cup in 2022—an achievement that solidified his legacy as one of the best footballers—he now faces the challenge of deciding his future steps. During the match, despite not scoring from a key free-kick opportunity, Messi displayed his unique skill, further illustrating that his talent remains unquestionable. The match against PSG marked the first time he faced a former club, a bittersweet encounter as PSG celebrated their victory.
Messi’s historical career, featuring record goals for Barcelona, Argentina, and Inter Miami, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on football. Yet, reflecting on his legacy as he aged gracefully on the pitch raises the poignant possibility that fans may no longer get to watch him perform on the grandest stages. His contract relieves Messi of immediate pressures; however, fans and players alike hope for the sight of him defending Argentina in next year's World Cup. With the next edition of the Club World Cup not scheduled until 2029—at which time Messi would be 42—many believe this could indeed be his final significant international game.
The game drew a large crowd of 65,574 fans, highlighting Messi's enduring appeal, despite the heavy loss. However, the question lingers: is this truly the world’s last chance to watch Messi on a prestigious global stage? Currently under contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2025 MLS season, there is uncertainty around his future in professional football. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, also set to take place in the US, alongside Mexico and Canada, speculation grows about whether Messi will take part.
Picking up insights from his teammates, Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi and fellow Inter Miami player Luis Suarez anticipate that Messi will continue playing until at least the 2026 tournament. Meanwhile, Guillem Balague, an authority on Messi's career, expressed uncertainty by noting, "Nobody knows, least of all, Messi himself." This reflects Messi's current approach, as he reportedly is taking things "game by game, tournament by tournament."
Having completed the milestone of winning the World Cup in 2022—an achievement that solidified his legacy as one of the best footballers—he now faces the challenge of deciding his future steps. During the match, despite not scoring from a key free-kick opportunity, Messi displayed his unique skill, further illustrating that his talent remains unquestionable. The match against PSG marked the first time he faced a former club, a bittersweet encounter as PSG celebrated their victory.
Messi’s historical career, featuring record goals for Barcelona, Argentina, and Inter Miami, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on football. Yet, reflecting on his legacy as he aged gracefully on the pitch raises the poignant possibility that fans may no longer get to watch him perform on the grandest stages. His contract relieves Messi of immediate pressures; however, fans and players alike hope for the sight of him defending Argentina in next year's World Cup. With the next edition of the Club World Cup not scheduled until 2029—at which time Messi would be 42—many believe this could indeed be his final significant international game.
