The eight-time Ballon d’Or champion has no plans of retiring anytime soon, much to the delight of fans who appreciate the purity of his game. “Taking rest is crucial as we age, everything becomes more challenging,” shared Lionel Messi during a candid conversation on the ‘Big Time’ podcast. Known for his honesty, the Inter Miami player maintained his composure while answering tough questions in a recent interview broadcasted in Saudi Arabia.
“I understand that once I feel like I can’t perform, enjoy the game, or support my teammates, I will stop playing,” he explained. “I am very self-aware; I know when I am playing well and when I am not. So, my retirement won’t be based on my age. If I feel good and still enjoy it, I will continue playing.” Despite a strong start to the MLS season, injuries have been a constant issue for the 36-year-old at DRV PNK Stadium. Fans worldwide have been eager to watch Messi play in Miami, but have been left disappointed due to his fitness concerns. As the biggest star in soccer, there is immense pressure on Miami to ensure Messi’s availability, but they have prioritized his long-term well-being over financial gains. It is crucial that this approach remains unchanged, not only for the growth of MLS but for the sport in general.
Unreasonable hopes and dreams Inter Miami has managed to sell out tickets for all their home and away games in the upcoming 2024 MLS season, despite the steep increase in seat prices in certain parts of their stadium. Reports from The Athletic suggest that the club’s value has surpassed $1 billion, with a $400 million boost thanks to Messi’s arrival and his groundbreaking partnership with Apple, which has brought in a surge of MLS viewers. The hype surrounding Messi has taken over the United States, with big names like LeBron James and Novak Djokovic showing up to witness his magic on the field, alongside famous figures like Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Halle Berry, Selena Gomez, and others. While Messi has been delivering impressive performances, fans seem to have set their expectations sky-high, which might be difficult to meet. Apart from their MLS obligations, Inter Miami will be defending their Leagues Cup title from 2023, which was secured largely due to Messi’s exceptional talent. They are also set to compete in the US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup. Coach Tata Martino’s main goal is to win it all, but he will carefully manage Messi’s playing time to ensure he is fresh for the most crucial matches, even if it means facing criticism from fans.
To evade ‘major risks’, Miami had an eagerly anticipated tour of Asia with Messi as the main attraction. However, things didn’t go as planned as Messi suffered a muscle injury. Despite featuring in the first two games against Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr in the Middle East, Messi did not play against a Hong Kong All-Star team, causing outrage. David Beckham, a co-owner of Miami, tried to calm the 40,000 fans after a 4-1 win, but was met with boos. The Hong Kong government demanded an explanation for Messi’s absence. Martino clarified to the media that Messi and Suarez were sidelined due to injury, stating they didn’t want to risk worsening their condition. Messi did play 30 minutes in the final game against Vissel Kobe, which sparked more controversy, with the Global Times claiming doubts about the integrity of Miami and Messi. Despite the backlash, Miami prioritized Messi’s health over appeasing fans, showing loyalty that could benefit his career in the long run.
Miami’s team is taking a cautious approach with their star quarterback, Messi. While he started off strong, leading the team to the top of the Eastern Conference, he has missed the last four MLS games due to muscle issues. The club’s coach, Martino, emphasized the importance of managing Messi’s injury week by week. Despite this setback, the team is hopeful that Messi will be back in action for their upcoming Champions Cup quarter-final against Monterrey. Messi’s success at Barcelona can be attributed to his careful treatment of his body and his ability to evolve his playing style over the years. From a dynamic winger to a false nine and then a wide playmaker before taking on a more quarterback-like role, Messi has always found ways to stay at the top of his game. While some may criticize his walking during matches, it’s a strategy to conserve energy for critical moments when he can make a game-changing impact. Messi remains one of the most exciting players to watch in world football, even as he enters the later stages of his career.
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Finding the perfect balance in both his career and personal life was crucial for Lionel Messi and his family. After a tough stint at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi expressed his happiness with his current situation during an interview with ESPN in August. Despite facing difficulties in France, Messi found joy not only in his professional success but also in the quality time spent with his wife and kids. Although his time at PSG was not without challenges, Messi still managed to win consecutive Ligue 1 titles, make significant contributions on the field, and lead Argentina to World Cup victory. With nothing left to prove in European football, Messi made the decision to move to MLS for a new chapter in his career. This transition allowed him to strike a balance between soccer and family life, giving him the freedom to play at his own pace in a league that values his presence. While Messi had the opportunity to return to Barcelona or join top European clubs like Manchester City or Inter, his focus was on longevity and finding peace of mind. Signing a contract with Miami for at least two-and-a-half years, with the possibility of extending it even further, shows Messi’s commitment to his new journey. Despite hinting at retirement from international football post-World Cup, joining Miami has re-energized him, leaving the door open for a potential final flourish on the global stage.
The upcoming Copa America will once again showcase Messi’s brilliance as Argentina aims to retain their title, with many expecting him to lead the team to another major trophy under Lionel Scaloni. In today’s increasingly tactical game, true mavericks like Messi are becoming harder to come by as managers focus on rigid formations and specific roles for players. Despite the evolving nature of football, Messi’s presence is still essential. The younger generation should look up to him as a role model for freely expressing themselves on the field and standing out, rather than getting lost in the complexities of the game. Messi’s ability to make the game look effortless and produce jaw-dropping moments is truly captivating and should be appreciated for as long as possible. At this stage of his career, Messi has nothing left to prove, yet he continues to evoke strong emotions with his mastery of the game. When he eventually hangs up his boots, his irreplaceable talent will be truly recognized, highlighting the impact he has had on the sport.
The larger perspective Throughout his career, Messi has consistently been a high achiever, often leading his team to victory in challenging situations. Even after moving to MLS, this has not changed. According to Martino, top players maintain their competitive spirit and desire to win no matter where they are playing. Messi still possesses this trait, eager to succeed just as he did during his time at Barcelona. Inter Miami is not a place for Messi to wind down towards retirement. Instead, he aims to create another chapter filled with achievements and raise the profile of America’s top competition to new heights. Above all, Messi simply wants to enjoy playing football. Witnessing a happy Messi excel on the field is a sight to behold. Miami is making every effort to provide the perfect environment for him to continue doing what he loves, and their dedication should be praised. Beckham and his team are working to protect the game’s most precious asset, even if it means taking extra care of Messi. There will never be another player like him, and we should all be grateful that he is part of a club that truly appreciates his greatness.
