Inter Miami’s plan with Messi, the gesture they want to have with him for his retirement

Many football fans are very happy to see Lionel Messi continue to shine on a football pitch, whether it's playing with Inter Miami or with the Argentina national team. Although they are enjoying the Argentine star playing football, many know that his time in professional football is soon coming to an end. Messi may have a year or two left as the 2026 World Cup seems to be the last football competition he plays in.

Messi joined Inter Miami CF last year, in his first experience out of Europe. Messi arrived to the Major League Soccer team, which is commanded by Jorge Mas and David Beckham. The team who plays in the city of Miami is actually the leader of the tournament. And yesterday they also honored Messi for his last trophy, the Copa America 2024 win, which was his 45th major title.

Inter Miami seems to also be the last club that Messi plays for after he mentioned that in an interview ahead of the Copa America this summer. His contract with the MLS club expires in December 2025. There is a club that Messi wishes to retire at besides FC Barcelona, and that is his boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys.

Relevo reports that Inter Miami has a plan to grant Messi's wish to retire at Newell Old Boys. The reports suggest that the main shareholders of Inter Miami are analyzing purchasing Newell's Old Boys so that Lionel Messi can retire there. Messi was at Newell's Old Boys before he moved to Spain at La Masia from FC Barcelona and has dreamed of playing for the club as a professional player.

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Messi spoke with ESPN Argentina about his future in football, and he dropped the news that Inter Miami would be the last club he plays for. The Argentine star said, "Inter Miami will be my last club, yes. As of today, it’s gonna be my last one. I love playing football, I enjoy everything much more because I am aware that every time there’s less and less."

Messi continued to express how he feels about retirement in the future. The Argentine said, "I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer able to perform, that I no longer enjoy or help my team-mates, I will quit. I'm very self-critical. I know when I'm good, when I'm bad, when I'm playing well, and when I'm playing badly. When I feel it's time to take that step, I'll take it without thinking about age. If I feel good, I'll always try to keep competing because it's what I like and what I know how to do."

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Lionel Messi vs Newell's Old Boys

Inter Miami set up a friendly match against Messi's boyhood club before the 2024 MLS season. The game was played at Chase Stadium in February this year. The match ended 1-1 where Messi played 60 minutes. Shanyder Borgelin scored for Inter Miami, while Franco Diaz scored for Newell's Old Boys.