…Argentine legend says he’s focused on enjoying the game before retirement
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has admitted that while the thought of retirement occasionally crosses his mind, his main focus remains on savouring every moment on the pitch before hanging up his boots.
The Inter Miami captain shared these reflections on Wednesday as the closing guest at the America Business Summit, joining an illustrious lineup that included U.S. President Donald Trump, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
An eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion, Messi revealed that he hasn’t spent much time thinking about his legacy, preferring to stay grounded in the present.
“It’s not something I’ve thought about or worried about,” Messi said when asked about how he views his career achievements. “When I retire, as the years go by, I’ll value everything I did much more. But for now, I just want to keep enjoying myself and keep playing.”
During the session, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez interviewed Messi and later presented him with a ceremonial key to the city, honouring his contributions to football and his impact on Miami since joining the club.
“It’s spectacular, my first time living in this incredible city,” Messi said. “The affection of all the people from the first day has been impressive. I’m very grateful.”
Reflecting on Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, the 38-year-old described it as the pinnacle of his career.
“As a player, winning the World Cup is the best,” he said. “After that, you can’t ask for anything more.”
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has continued to dazzle in Major League Soccer (MLS), finishing the season as the league’s top scorer with 29 goals and 19 assists, narrowly missing Carlos Vela’s 2019 record for most goal contributions in a single campaign.
Yet, even as he thrives in the twilight of his career, Messi acknowledged the inevitable, that football’s final whistle will one day blow.
“Unfortunately, at some point, it ends,” he said. “I want to continue learning. For me, something else is coming, another world, and little by little, I am getting involved.”
Messi and Inter Miami will return to action on Saturday when they face Nashville SC in a decisive MLS playoff clash in Fort Lauderdale, as fans continue to marvel at a career still defined by magic, humility, and the quiet grace of a man who changed football forever.