Lionel Messi: Inter Miami Likely to be Final Club Amid Paris 2024 Speculations

Lionel Messi, the legendary footballer, plans to conclude his illustrious career with Inter Miami. Although he is firmly committed to his current club, uncertainty looms over his participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics with the Argentinian national team.

A Storied Career from Barcelona to Inter Miami

The 36-year-old, who has clinched the Ballon d’Or eight times, made a high-profile switch to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami last summer after his stint with Paris Saint-Germain. This transition marked the next chapter in a career that included winning four Champions League titles and ten La Liga championships with Barcelona.

Messi’s contract with Inter Miami extends until 2025, with an option for an additional year. His performance this season indicates that retirement is not on his immediate horizon. With 12 goals and 13 assists in just 12 matches, Messi is a key player for the MLS frontrunners.

Messi’s Commitment to Football

In a conversation with ESPN, Lionel Messi stated, “As of today, I think it’s going to be my last club. I’m not ready to leave football either.” He remains dedicated to competing in the Copa America, where Argentina will defend their 2021 title. The tournament, held in the United States, coincides with Messi’s current residency.

Reflecting on his move from Europe to the U.S., Messi acknowledged the difficulty of the transition but credited his World Cup victory with helping him see things from a new perspective. “I love playing football. I enjoy the training, every day of the matches,” he shared. “I’m a little afraid that everything will end. That’s why I enjoy everything much more because I’m aware that there’s less and less to go and I have a good time at the club. I enjoy the little details that I know I’m going to miss when I don’t play anymore.”

The Uncertain Path to Paris 2024

Questions remain about Messi’s involvement in the Paris 2024 Olympics, even though he was appointed captain by under-23 coach Javier Mascherano. By the time of the competition, Messi will be 37 years old. Despite his age, fans hope to see him compete in the French capital.

Mascherano, who previously played alongside Messi, mentioned in an interview with TyC Sports in March, “I spoke with Leo and we agreed to keep talking. He has just started the season with Inter Miami and we still have some time until the Olympic Games. And we have to consider he also has the Copa América ahead this summer. It is not an easy situation.”

Balancing Club and Country

The decision to participate in the Olympics is complex. Lionel Messi must balance his commitments to Inter Miami with the demands of representing Argentina. “We have to see if he has the energy to be there (in Paris). It is not our intention to bother him or pressure him. We made him an invitation in advance and we gave him all the facts he needs to think about it and to talk with his club. It is not easy for him, either, to manage it with Inter Miami and the MLS and to be absent for a while. He will decide at the right time,” Mascherano explained.

Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s journey from Barcelona to Inter Miami marks a significant chapter in his football career. As he continues to perform at an elite level in the MLS, the possibility of him playing in the Paris 2024 Olympics remains open. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await his decision, which will undoubtedly influence the next steps in his extraordinary career.