While Messi's future remains uncertain, his influence on football is undeniable.
Is This the End of Messi's Global Journey?
Is This the End of Messi's Global Journey?
As he faces a potential farewell, we examine the magic of Messi on the field.
Lionel Messi might have just taken his last bow on the international stage, marking a poignant end to an illustrious career filled with incredible moments. The 38-year-old superstar, widely acclaimed as one of the greatest footballers ever, played what could be his final match during the Club World Cup, where Inter Miami suffered a harsh 4-0 defeat against Paris St-Germain, the club he once graced.
Despite the heavy scoreline, Messi showcased his trademark brilliance, captivating a large audience of 65,574 fans eager to witness the maestro in action. Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano commented on Messi's enduring appeal, stating, "People still pay for a ticket to see Leo Messi, even at 38 years old." PSG defender Lucas Beraldo echoed this sentiment, sharing his excitement of sharing the pitch with someone he revered as a child.
As Messi's contract with Inter Miami lasts until the end of the 2025 MLS season, the question hangs in the air: will we see him lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup? His colleagues are optimistic, but experts like Guillem Balague hint at Messi's own uncertainty regarding his future. Balague noted that Messi is currently taking each game as it comes, focusing on the present while contemplating a potential contract extension.
Having finally secured the World Cup victory in 2022, Messi silenced critics who doubted his status as a football legend. Yet, during the Club World Cup, there were flashes of his past brilliance mixed with signs of age. Fans hoped to witness a moment of magic when he lined up a free-kick late in the game, but it fell short, hitting the wall instead.
The contributions Messi made throughout his career, including records such as the all-time leading scorer for Barcelona, Argentina, and Inter Miami, remain etched in football history. However, it is apparent that the pinnacle of his powers is behind him. This match also marked a unique encounter for Messi; it was the first time he competed against a former club, paradoxically against PSG, where he struggled to fulfill expectations.
Although PSG dominated the first half, the flow of the game shifted in the second half, allowing Messi to exhibit his creativity and skill. He made several key passes and took a couple of shots that, although saved or blocked, reminded fans of his enduring talent.
After this tournament, which will not occur again until 2029, it seems highly unlikely we will witness Messi at a global event at that age. If he remains at Inter Miami, we will only see him in North American matches, raising the question: Is this truly the twilight of Messi's extraordinary career?
Despite the heavy scoreline, Messi showcased his trademark brilliance, captivating a large audience of 65,574 fans eager to witness the maestro in action. Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano commented on Messi's enduring appeal, stating, "People still pay for a ticket to see Leo Messi, even at 38 years old." PSG defender Lucas Beraldo echoed this sentiment, sharing his excitement of sharing the pitch with someone he revered as a child.
As Messi's contract with Inter Miami lasts until the end of the 2025 MLS season, the question hangs in the air: will we see him lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup? His colleagues are optimistic, but experts like Guillem Balague hint at Messi's own uncertainty regarding his future. Balague noted that Messi is currently taking each game as it comes, focusing on the present while contemplating a potential contract extension.
Having finally secured the World Cup victory in 2022, Messi silenced critics who doubted his status as a football legend. Yet, during the Club World Cup, there were flashes of his past brilliance mixed with signs of age. Fans hoped to witness a moment of magic when he lined up a free-kick late in the game, but it fell short, hitting the wall instead.
The contributions Messi made throughout his career, including records such as the all-time leading scorer for Barcelona, Argentina, and Inter Miami, remain etched in football history. However, it is apparent that the pinnacle of his powers is behind him. This match also marked a unique encounter for Messi; it was the first time he competed against a former club, paradoxically against PSG, where he struggled to fulfill expectations.
Although PSG dominated the first half, the flow of the game shifted in the second half, allowing Messi to exhibit his creativity and skill. He made several key passes and took a couple of shots that, although saved or blocked, reminded fans of his enduring talent.
After this tournament, which will not occur again until 2029, it seems highly unlikely we will witness Messi at a global event at that age. If he remains at Inter Miami, we will only see him in North American matches, raising the question: Is this truly the twilight of Messi's extraordinary career?
