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Lionel Messi's role at Inter Miami is expected to remain unchanged, despite his announcement that he is retiring from international soccer.
The 39-year-old football icon shared his retirement statement on Instagram on Monday, revealing the decision he had reached following Argentina's loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 and the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, on Aug. 8.
"There's not much time left, and chapters are coming to a close; this is one that hurts me deeply," part of his handwritten message read in Spanish, penned in a notebook. "I love, have loved and will always love being part of the national team. I've given my all; I've nothing left to give, and besides, there are some brilliant young players coming through who deserve their place."
While he is departing La Albiceleste after tallying 125 goals and 68 assists across 207 international appearances, he still has considerable time remaining in MLS with Inter Miami. He is currently under contract through 2028, having signed a new three-year deal with Inter Miami last October before guiding the Herons to their first-ever MLS Cup title in December. The agreement sees him earn a league-high $25 million per season.
In theory, having additional recovery time during international breaks could also help prolong his career in the league.
Since arriving in Miami during the summer of 2023, Messi has achieved extraordinary success, steering the club to the 2023 Leagues Cup, an MLS regular-season record of 74 points, the Supporters' Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup. On an individual level, he has claimed back-to-back MLS MVP Awards and the 2025 MLS Golden Boot.
Messi Still Dominating in MLS
Messi's departure from the Argentine national team is not the result of any decline in performance or serious injury, but rather a personal choice.
He netted eight goals at the most recent World Cup, contributing to more than 60% of Argentina's output and bringing his all-time World Cup tally to 21 goals across a record six tournaments.
His form in MLS has remained sharp as well, despite Inter Miami's inconsistent team performances throughout the season. In 19 matches, Messi has recorded 18 goals and 10 assists, cementing his lead in the MLS Golden Boot race with a four-goal showing in Miami's recent 7–1 rout of Alex Sánchez's CF Montréal.
Despite his impressive output, his prospects of claiming a team trophy this season are fading, which would make it only the second trophyless campaign of his storied career. The MLS Cup remains the sole realistic possibility, given the 10-point deficit in the regular-season standings and the club's early exits from the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.