**In a decisive loss against PSG, concerns rise about whether we’ve seen Messi on the global stage for the last time.**
**Is Lionel Messi’s Global Career Coming to an End?**
**Is Lionel Messi’s Global Career Coming to an End?**
**Messi's future remains uncertain as he faces potential final global match with Inter Miami.**
Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine footballer and many consider the greatest of all time, may have played his last global match as Inter Miami faced a hefty defeat against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Club World Cup. The match, held in Atlanta, ended with a score of 4-0, showcasing Messi's brilliance even in a loss.
At 38 years old, Messi still captivated a crowd of 65,574 fans, reinforcing his enduring allure. Inter Miami's coach, Javier Mascherano, noted the draw of watching Messi, stating, “PSG are in great form, champions of everything, but people still pay for a ticket to see Leo Messi.” The PSG defender, Lucas Beraldo, further recognized the uniqueness of sharing the field with Messi, highlighting the magic he exudes.
As Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, many are left wondering about his future. He has not confirmed plans for the upcoming World Cup in 2026, shared between the US, Canada, and Mexico. While teammates like Nicolas Otamendi and Luis Suarez believe Messi will play on, sports journalist Guillem Balague admits, “nobody knows, least of all Messi himself.”
Balague, who wrote about Messi's career in 2023, noted that Messi's family feels at home in Miami, and discussions around extending his contract are ongoing. He emphasized Messi’s cautious approach, stating, “At the moment he is just taking it game by game, tournament by tournament.”
Messi’s quest for a second World Cup title was realized in Qatar 2022, solidifying his status among football's elite. However, during the match against PSG, his ability to change the game was still evident, with moments of brilliance worth noticing, including a free-kick and a skillful pass to Suarez that showcased his unparalleled vision.
Despite his dwindling peak, Messi’s impacts on the game are far-reaching. He remains the all-time leading goal scorer for Barcelona, Argentina, and Inter Miami. This season's loss against PSG marked the first time he had faced his former club, where expectations fell short during his time there.
Currently, as the Club World Cup progresses, this may be the last global spectacle for Messi, as he continues in MLS, with significant matches mainly confined to North America. The next Club World Cup won’t occur until 2029 when Messi will be 42 years old—prompting many to question if he will still be pursuing football at that age.
