As Lionel Messi steps onto the field at the Estadio Mâs Monumental for his final match in an Argentina jersey, the next big question is what comes next for the soccer maestro.
Having graced soccer fields around the world for two decades, Messi will be missed by millions of fans, including those who have watched him from the opposing side. However, fans still have one last opportunity to watch the maestro in an Argentina jersey as he takes on Benin tonight, with 85,000 fans expected to be in attendance for what is set to be one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
Is Lionel Messi Retiring From Club Soccer?
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving PSG, just a few months after winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.
His arrival in MLS completely transformed the team, turning Inter Miami from a struggling club into one of the league’s dominant forces. Since joining the Herons, Messi has won four major trophies with the club while also establishing himself as their all-time leading goalscorer.
Messi won his first trophy in the United States just weeks after making his debut, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer along the way. He later helped Inter Miami win the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, before leading the club to the 2025 MLS Cup Championship, which marked Inter Miami’s first playoff championship victory.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
More recently, Messi added another trophy to his collection by helping Inter Miami win the Campeones Cup in September 2026 after defeating Mexican champions Cruz Azul.
His best MLS season came in 2025, when he won the Golden Boot after producing a historic 48 goal contributions, including 29 goals and 19 assists in a single year.
As the club’s leading goalscorer, Messi has already surpassed 86 goals for Inter Miami while also recording 55 assists.
As for his future, the Argentine star has not made any official declaration about retiring from MLS or Inter Miami. Instead, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to continue playing through his current contract, which runs through 2028.
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