Messi is not retired yet

One of the key factors motivating Messi to stay is the plan to move to the new Miami Freedom Park stadium. The $1 billion , 25,000-seat facility is scheduled to open in 2026. The new contract could ensure Leo plays in the opening match at this "holy land".

Keeping Messi for at least one more season is a strategic move by Inter Miami in their quest to establish themselves in both MLS and the international arena. "With Messi at the helm, the dream of Americanizing football will continue to grow," wrote the Daily Mail .

At 37, Messi is in his third season with Inter Miami since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023. The owner of 8 Golden Balls is still showing impressive form with 8 goals after 9 matches in all competitions this season.

Despite bringing home the first title in the club's history - the 2023 Leagues Cup, Messi has yet to conquer the MLS Cup. Last season, Inter Miami stopped in the first round of the playoffs against Atlanta United, after winning the Supporters' Shield.

Since joining the club co-owned by David Beckham, Messi has brought along a group of close friends from Barcelona such as Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez. Most recently, Javier Mascherano - a former teammate at both Barca and the Argentina national team - was also appointed as head coach.

To date, Messi has played 48 matches for Inter Miami, scoring 42 goals and assisting 21 times - numbers that show his class has not faded.

Inter Miami is currently second in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 14 points after six games, just one point behind leaders Columbus Crew. The team has also qualified for the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-finals, where it will face the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Messi's double helps Inter Miami win in a comeback On the morning of April 10, Lionel Messi scored 2 goals in Inter Miami's 3-1 victory over LAFC (3-2 on aggregate) in the second leg of the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions 2025.

Source: https://znews.vn/messi-chua-giai-nghe-post1545196.html