Lionel Messi, the Argentine football legend, may have bid farewell to the global stage in a stunning defeat, but his brilliance shone through despite the heavy scoreline. The 38-year-old star witnessed Inter Miami succumb to a 4-0 loss against his old club Paris St-Germain (PSG) during the Club World Cup held in Atlanta, attended by a crowd of 65,574.
Inter Miami's coach, Javier Mascherano, commented on Messi's continued allure, "PSG are champions, but fans still come to see Leo Messi, even at 38." PSG's Lucas Beraldo celebrated the opportunity to play alongside Messi, reflecting, "It was magnificent to share the field with someone I've admired since childhood."
With his contract at Inter Miami running until the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, the footballing world speculates on whether Messi will retire or continue playing, especially with the 2026 World Cup coming up in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Team-mates Nicolas Otamendi and Luis Suarez believe there's a chance he will play on, but some analysts, including Guillem Balague, noted uncertainty, stating, "Nobody knows what Messi will decide."
Messi finally secured his coveted World Cup in Qatar in 2022, a triumph that solidified his status as one of the greatest players in history. The match against PSG marked a poignant point in his career, where many say they witnessed possibly his last global appearance. Known as one of football's greats, Messi had moments of magic in the match – from a remarkable free-kick goal against Porto in the group stage to a cheeky assist that almost brought another goal for Suarez.
However, during the match against PSG, while Messi had some opportunities—including a blocked shot and an effort glanced off the wall—his team struggled to gain momentum against a relentless opposition. Yet, he was still a threat on the field, completing 31 of 35 passes and creating chances in the second half when the game opened up.
As the Club World Cup takes a hiatus until 2029—a time when Messi will turn 42—it begs the question: are fans watching the last of the Argentine maestro on a global stage? Many hope to see him lead Argentina again at the upcoming World Cup, yet much remains uncertain as Messi takes his career "game by game, tournament by tournament." Regardless, his legacy as the all-time record goalscorer for Barcelona, Argentina, and Inter Miami is etched in the history of football forever.
