Lionel Messi isn't even close to done with the sport he loves: Inter Miami manager Kily Gonzalez inspires hope among fans
Lionel Messi has officially ended his international career with Argentina but intends to continue playing for Inter Miami. Reports suggest he may remain active in club soccer until 2030, with his current contract running through 2028.
Why it matters
As one of the greatest athletes in history, Messi's career longevity significantly impacts the commercial growth and popularity of Major League Soccer in the United States.
It's done and dusted: Lionel Messi's national team career with Argentina has come to an end. On Tuesday night, a packed crowd at El Monumental in Buenos Aires said goodbye to Messi. As he showed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi can still dominate while wearing Argentina's colors. But Messi himself has said a couple of times now that it's time to let the younger generation take over and start a new renovation process under manager Lionel Scaloni. Given that his international career has come to an end, fans have wondered if Messi is ready to call it quits on his club career sooner than imagined, too.
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