Leo Messi remains at the top of his game despite stepping away from Argentina’s national team. He scored four goals for Inter Miami on Sunday and is currently Major League Soccer’s leading scorer with 18 goals.
The performance underlined that Messi is still fully active on the football pitch. The bigger question concerns his state of mind and desire to continue—factors that will ultimately determine when he says “enough”, particularly following the loss of his father, Jorge.
Messi’s Inter Miami contract runs through 2028
Messi is under contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028. In his case, however, the agreement is only a formal detail. He is expected to retire whenever he chooses, and the club would accept that decision while offering him a role in its ownership and wider structure if he wants to remain connected to Inter Miami.
Sportingly, Messi still has major objectives ahead as he looks to add to his record haul of 48 trophies, excluding individual awards. Inter Miami are the defending MLS champions, and Messi is currently competing for the 2026 MLS title.
He could also be in contention for a ninth Ballon d’Or, with the award scheduled for October. That same month, Messi is due to receive the Prince of Asturias Award in Oviedo.
Potential challenges for Messi in 2027 and 2028
If Messi’s body and motivation continue to support his career, he could face several more challenges in 2027. These include the shortened MLS season running through June, as United States soccer moves toward the European football calendar, followed by the 2027-28 MLS campaign.
Inter Miami could also compete in the 2028 Concacaf Champions Cup, a prestigious and previously unattained title that would carry particular importance for the club. The objectives remain in place if Messi decides he wants to continue playing.
Messi’s business interests and football legacy
Messi will turn 40 on June 24, 2027. Beyond football, he has a long life ahead with his family and a wide-ranging business portfolio. He represents numerous brands and has interests including a wine label and energy drinks.
His family and inner circle have also focused on extending his legacy beyond his playing career. The clearest example is Messi’s purchase this year of Unió Esportiva Cornellà, a Catalan club competing in the Tercera Federación.
The acquisition is intended to preserve the Messi name in football. The club is currently a small “toy”, but Messi hopes to grow it through his own management and that of his team in the coming years.
Messi is also expected to live in Catalonia after retiring. He still owns his home in Castelldefels, where he will likely spend time with his family, oversee his businesses and develop his football legacy from another perspective.
That future would come in addition to the role he is certain to hold as an enduring ambassador for Argentine football. Long live the “other” Leo.
Source: www.marca.com
