How Much Longer Will Messi Play? Decoding the Future of a Football Legend

The million-dollar question, or perhaps the billion-dollar question considering the global impact of Lionel Messi, is: how much longer will he play? While crystal balls remain stubbornly opaque, the available evidence – Messi’s own words, his current contract, his physical condition, and the inevitable march of time – suggests he’ll likely grace the pitch for another two to three years at the professional level. A full swansong would be the 2026 World Cup, but that is far from guaranteed. This estimate considers his potential to be in top form, and at the top level, and not necessarily playing professionally somewhere in the world.

Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami runs through the end of the 2025 MLS season. He also has a reported option to extend it for an additional 12 months. That points towards a potential end date of late 2026, but whether he’ll still be playing at a level conducive to international competition is a different matter. It also doesn’t preclude a move elsewhere after his Miami contract expires. Ultimately, the decision rests with Messi himself, influenced by his ambition, physical well-being, and family considerations. He remains a force of nature, and even a slightly diminished Messi can still be a game-changer.

Unpacking Messi’s Situation: Key Factors

Several intertwined factors will dictate the length of Messi’s career:

• Physical Condition: At 36, Messi remains remarkably agile and durable. However, the wear and tear of years at the highest level will eventually take its toll. His ability to maintain peak physical condition will be crucial. Any increase in muscle injuries, similar to the one he sustained recently playing with Inter Miami, will affect his playing time.

• Motivation and Ambition: Messi has already achieved almost everything imaginable in football. His burning desire to compete at the highest level and continue winning trophies will influence his decision. Will the MLS provide the level of competition he craves in the longer term?

• Family Considerations: Like any athlete, Messi’s family plays a vital role in his decisions. Their comfort and well-being will factor into any future moves or retirement plans.

• International Duty: His commitment to Argentina is unwavering, and his role as captain and talisman is immensely important. His participation in the 2024 Copa America is all but certain, but the 2026 World Cup remains an open question.

• MLS Experience: His success and happiness playing with Inter Miami. The quality of the league play, the travel schedule, and the cultural adjustment.

Projecting Messi’s Trajectory: Possible Scenarios

Several scenarios are plausible:

1. Continued Success in Miami (and Beyond): Messi thrives in the MLS, leads Inter Miami to further success, and remains fit and motivated. He plays in the 2024 Copa America and then seriously considers playing in the 2026 World Cup for Argentina, depending on his form and fitness leading up to the tournament. He may even extend his contract with Inter Miami or seek a new challenge elsewhere.

2. Gradual Decline: Messi’s physical condition begins to decline, limiting his playing time and impact. He remains in Miami through 2025 but decides against an extension. He may still participate in the 2024 Copa America but retires from international football shortly afterward and then potentially retires completely at the end of his Inter Miami contract.

3. Early Retirement: An unexpected injury or a loss of motivation could lead to an earlier-than-anticipated retirement. This is the least likely scenario, but it cannot be ruled out entirely.

Why Predicting Messi Is Difficult

Predicting the future of any athlete is challenging, but Messi presents unique difficulties. His unparalleled talent, unwavering dedication, and the fierce protectiveness surrounding his personal life make it hard to get a definitive answer about his future. Ultimately, we can only speculate based on the available information and trust that Messi will make the decision that is best for him and his family.

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FAQs: More About Messi’s Future

Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding Messi’s career:

1. Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?

Messi himself has stated that he is unsure. His participation hinges on his physical condition and motivation closer to the time. While it is not impossible, it seems less and less likely that he will be performing at a high level on the World Cup stage.

2. Is Messi retiring in 2023?

No. Messi is under contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2025 MLS season.

3. Will Messi retire after Inter Miami?

It’s possible, but not guaranteed. He could seek a new challenge at another club or even return to Argentina for a final stint.

4. How old can Messi play until?

The average outfield player will retire between 30-35 years old. In extremely rare cases, you can find some players reaching 40 years of age. Realistically, he can continue to play professionally at a level commensurate with his age. His impact may diminish, but his experience and skill will remain valuable.

5. What team will Messi play for in 2025?

Currently, he is scheduled to play for Inter Miami through the 2025 MLS season. Whether he extends his contract or moves elsewhere remains to be seen.

6. How much is Inter Miami paying Messi?

Messi’s annualized compensation from his Major League Soccer contract with Inter Miami is just over $20.4 million.

7. Is Messi done with Miami?

No. Messi has a contract until the end of the 2025 MLS season with Inter Miami.

8. What has Messi not won?

Among major competitions, the Coupe de France is the most notable one that Messi has participated in and not won.

9. Where is Messi going in 2024?

He will be playing in the 2024 Copa America. Whether he will still be with Inter Miami, playing at another club, or retired remains to be seen.

10. How many times did Messi retire?

Messi briefly retired from international football in 2016 before returning soon after.

11. Will Messi play the 2024 Copa America?

Yes, he is expected to lead Argentina in the 2024 Copa America as the reigning champions.

12. Will Messi return to Barcelona?

While a return to Barcelona has been discussed, it is highly unlikely at this stage of his career.

13. How long is Messi’s contract with Miami?

Messi has a two-and-a-half-year contract at Inter Miami, bringing him up to the end of 2025, with a reported option to extend for another 12 months.

14. Who has more fans, Messi or Ronaldo, in 2023?

As of January 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo had more fans on Facebook than Lionel Messi. However, fan bases shift across different platforms and are constantly evolving.

15. What is Lionel Messi’s net worth?

Forbes estimates Messi’s net worth to be around $600 million, but that will increase by the end of his contract with Inter Miami.