Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Messi Retires From Argentina, Continues Inter Miami Career Through 2028
Lionel Messi is stopping his career as a player for Argentina’s national team.
He is not necessarily retiring from football altogether.
Messi can keep playing for Inter Miami because his contract runs through the 2028 MLS season.
He has already helped the club win important trophies.
After he stops playing, Messi may stay connected to Inter Miami, but that has not been confirmed.
He has said he does not want to become a coach.
Instead, he may like to own and develop a football club.
He already co-owns Deportivo LSM in Uruguay with Luis Suarez.
Messi said he will support Argentina as a fan in the future.
Lionel Messi is retiring from Argentina’s national team while continuing his club career.
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami through the 2028 MLS season.
He has helped Inter Miami win the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.
Messi has said coaching does not appeal to him, but he is interested in owning a football club.
He co-owns Uruguay’s fourth-division Deportivo LSM with Luis Suarez.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Argentina’s national team, Inter Miami, and potentially Deportivo LSM.
- What
- Messi is ending his playing career with Argentina while considering continued club football and possible future ownership or organizational roles.
- When
- His Argentina playing career is ending, while his Inter Miami contract runs through the 2028 MLS season.
- Where
- Messi will continue his club career in Miami with Inter Miami; he also co-owns Deportivo LSM in Uruguay.
- Why
- Messi is leaving international football, while his existing Inter Miami contract allows him to continue playing at club level.
- National-team status
- Messi will no longer play for Argentina’s national team and said he would support the team as a fan.
- Club
- Inter Miami
- Contract
- Runs through the 2028 MLS season
- Inter Miami achievements
- 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield
- Ownership interest
- Messi has expressed interest in owning and developing a football club.
- Current ownership
- He co-owns Deportivo LSM, a fourth-division club in Uruguay, with Luis Suarez.
- Coaching plans
- Messi has indicated that coaching is not part of his plans.