Lionel Messi is going through the final stage of his career and he's doing so with the serenity of someone who's given everything. At Inter Miami, the Argentine has found a new home, far from European pressure. His influence on the team is total, both on and off the field.
At 36 years old, he keeps showing that his talent remains intact, even in a less competitive environment. In every MLS match, he leaves glimpses of the magic that defined an era in Europe. The connection with the American fans has been immediate, something he deeply values.
Even so, his contract with the American club ends at the close of this season. With that, an inevitable question begins to take shape: is the definitive end approaching? Messi knows it, and for the first time, he's spoken candidly about how he feels.
The national team, his last great commitment
Despite the distance from European soccer, Messi is still the soul of the Argentine national team. In the Albiceleste, he keeps his role as leader and reference after winning the World Cup in Qatar. He brings experience, character, and that special touch that no other player on the team possesses.
For him, defending Argentina's jersey is still a sacred honor, as it was from day one. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, his figure becomes even more symbolic. That international event could be his last great dance before saying goodbye.
In a recent interview, Lionel was honest about the passage of time. "I'm aware that these could be my last matches and I'm enjoying them to the fullest", he confessed. His words, calm yet direct, have strongly resonated with fans and the media.
The return to Barça, an increasingly distant dream
For a long time, the dream of seeing Messi return to FC Barcelona kept the hope of thousands of Culers alive. It was his home for two decades, the place where he wrote the club's brightest history. However, the player himself has kept his feet on the ground regarding that possibility.
Although he acknowledges the affection from the blaugrana fans, he also understands that time and circumstances have changed. Barça is moving forward with a new project, while he's started a different path on the other side of the ocean. The option of returning seems more like a romantic story than a realistic goal.
Messi holds no grudges nor demands anything, he simply accepts reality with humility. Grateful for what he experienced in Catalonia, today he looks ahead without clinging to the past. He knows that everything has a cycle and that his at Camp Nou has probably already closed.
The end is near, but without sadness
The Argentine star faces this last stage with a mix of nostalgia, gratitude, and enviable calm. At this point in his career, he has nothing left to prove nor titles left to win. He's touched glory with every color: Barça, Argentina, and now, in a new chapter in Miami.
He may not wear the blaugrana jersey again, nor lift more trophies in European soccer. Perhaps his final farewell will come under the MLS spotlights or in one last tournament with his national team. Wherever he says goodbye, he'll do so with his head held high.
His legend is already written, beyond the club, the country, or the stadium. What Messi represents goes beyond jerseys: it's commitment, pure talent, and love for the game. Even if he doesn't return to Camp Nou, he'll always be one of them.
