Messi Reveals Why MLS Brings Him Pure Joy and Opens Up About His Retirement Timeline
Inter Miami skipper Lionel Messi has opened up about his adjustment journey since arriving in Major League Soccer (MLS), discussing the strikingly different pressure levels that caught him off guard in Florida.
Messi hails from Rosario but relocated to Europe when he was just 13 years old. Following his development in competitive football at Barcelona, where triumph is expected rather than hoped for, the most accomplished player in history subsequently moved to French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain.
Inter Miami operates under quite different expectations for achievement. The club co-established by David Beckham is merely three months senior to his youngest child and had never approached claiming any trophy before Messi's 2023 arrival. Though it required an adjustment period, the champion and his loved ones have come to appreciate the "more laid-back" environment in Miami.
"We're savoring every moment, and in a unique way, because the enjoyment feels different here, more easygoing, without such intense pressure, without the requirement—though I always desired—to triumph and reach all our objectives," Messi shared with SPORT.
Lionel Messi. Back at Camp Nou. We're not crying, you are... pic.twitter.com/Lq59ZaCdPp
"Naturally, we still want to succeed, but the pressure has changed, and that creates a more peaceful lifestyle.
"We appreciate our family time more, the children, having the opportunity to attend training, going to matches, spending considerably more time at home, returning without dwelling so heavily on football, but focusing on other aspects.
"And that, regardless of preference, changes how you live because it frequently occurred that results and daily stress would affect me, and sometimes I'd return home irritated, which was different. So we're content here."
Messi's Winning Mentality Delaying Retirement Plans
While outside pressure has decreased, Messi's winning hunger remains undiminished. "I adore playing football and competing," he stated. "I despise losing to anyone, and whenever I enter the field, I aim to win, or at minimum attempt to. I love competition, and that presented somewhat of a challenge for me and the players who accompanied us.
"We joined a very young organization that was still developing. The objective was to assist it in becoming a competitive team, to contend for championships, and to participate in its evolution. I believe we accomplished that."
The MLS leading scorer is favored to secure a second straight MVP trophy and has his focus on an extended playoff campaign.
This intense competitive spirit has aided Messi's ongoing career longevity. The 38-year-old recently inked a new deal through 2028 and plans to continue in Miami without two of his dearest teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
"I'm satisfied with how these seasons have progressed, and as long as I'm able and feel physically capable, I'll continue performing the same way on the field, striving to compete, to win, and to always give everything," Messi explained.
"The instant I realize I'm not physically ready, that I'm struggling during matches, or that I'm not finding joy, that will be when I decide to retire. But currently, I'm enjoying myself, I feel strong, and that's our situation."