Lionel Messi Discusses Future Plans Amid Career Achievements

Argentinian football icon Lionel Messi has indicated that his future in international football, particularly relating to the 2026 World Cup, remains uncertain. Despite leaving a seminal mark at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he led Argentina to triumph, Messi, now 37, revealed his focus is on maintaining happiness and wellness over attempting another grand victory.

Speaking after receiving the America Legend Award from the Spanish publication Marca, Messi stated, “In the moment, we will see. I don’t like to accelerate time or look ahead. I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy.” These comments came after his exceptional performance in Argentina’s World Cup qualifier win over Bolivia, where he scored a hat trick.

Messi, who began his professional journey with FC Barcelona in 2004, has had a prolific career with a record 898 club appearances. Internationally, he has made 189 appearances for Argentina’s senior team, scoring 112 goals and leading the team to multiple victories, including two Copa Américas and the esteemed 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Following his tenure with Barcelona, Messi joined Inter Miami in 2021. His influence has been critical to the team’s success, culminating in their 2024 rise to clinch the Major League Soccer Supporters’ Shield with a record of 21-4-8. “The step I took to come here [to Inter Miami] didn’t mean retiring,” Messi explained. “We came here to try and keep making this team big, to help the development by winning titles.”

Recently, Messi was recognized with a unique accolade for amassing the most titles in football history, awarded by Marca and presented by Juan Ignacio Gallardo and Jorge Mas. “I love playing soccer… It’s my passion,” Messi expressed in his acceptance speech at the Chase Stadium ceremony. He reminisced about his early days and reflected on the triumphs and challenges that fueled his growth as an athlete.

Despite the forward-thinking mindset, Messi remains keen on a day-by-day approach, asserting the importance of enjoying the present over worrying about future accolades. “I try to enjoy day by day. When the time comes, we’ll see,” he said, emphasizing his goal of continuing to perform and staying content with his career trajectory. “Coming here [to Miami] was not a retirement,” he reflected, underlining his ambition to elevate Inter Miami and achieve more victories.