Lionel Messi is already regarded as the greatest football player ever, yet he believes there is still more for him to achieve.
The Inter Miami star mentioned at a business conference on Wednesday that the
time for reflecting on his football career will come after he retires. With a contract to play through 2028, retirement may not be imminent.
“It’s not something I’ve thought about or worried about,” Messi said in Spanish, when asked about his legacy. “When I retire, as the years go by, obviously I’ll value everything I did in my career and what I achieved professionally much more. But today is the time to keep enjoying myself and to keep playing.”
Messi, a World Cup champion for Argentina and an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, was the final speaker on the first day of the America Business Summit, following figures such as President Donald Trump, Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez interviewed Messi and presented him with a ceremonial key to the city after their discussion. Messi, speaking to an audience primarily composed of business executives, received several loud ovations, with many attendees taking photos and videos on their phones as he spoke.
“It is spectacular, my first time living in this incredible city,” Messi said. “The affection of all the people from the first day, it was impressive and today is yet another example of the welcome. … I’m very grateful.”
Suarez asked Messi about leading Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico will host the World Cup next summer, where Argentina will aim to defend its title.
“As a player, winning the World Cup, I think it’s the best,” Messi said. “After the World Cup, you can’t ask for anything more.”
Messi joined Inter Miami midway through 2023, won the Major League Soccer MVP award last year, and is a strong contender to become the league’s first back-to-back MVP this season. He and Inter Miami face a decisive Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against Nashville SC on Saturday night at their home park in Fort Lauderdale.
At 38, Messi remains elite. He scored a league-best 29 goals in this year’s MLS regular season, five more than LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge. He also provided 19 assists, and his 48 total goal contributions were just one shy of matching the MLS record of 49 set by Carlos Vela in 2019.
Life After Football
Messi acknowledged at the conference that his focus is gradually shifting toward life after football and his various business interests.
“Unfortunately, at some point, it ends,” Messi said. “I want to continue learning. … For me, something else is coming, another world, and little by little I am getting involved.”
Messi spoke on the same day that Inter Miami announced a major construction milestone for its new stadium near Miami International Airport, with the final beams for the stadium canopy being raised.
Messi signed a three-year extension with Inter Miami last month.
“I’m happy in this place, so I’m very happy to continue,” he said. “I’m really anxious, really looking forward to it being finished, to be able to play here.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
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