October started hard for the Messi fans; the GOAT played his last match for the Argentine national team against Benin at the Monumental Stadium. The match itself wasn't important; the focus was the spectacle surrounding the farewell of the greatest player in Argentina national team history.
However, for Inter Miami and MLS fans, the news couldn't be better, because this international retirement means his attention will be focused solely on the Herons.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen what lies ahead for Lionel Messi in MLS, as international retirement could mean that his farewell to the sport is approaching.
What is next for Lionel Messi after retiring from the national squad?
As I’m writing this, there’s still a 24-hour window before the match between Inter Miami and New York City FC at NU Stadium.
After his farewell against Benin, Lionel Messi returned to Miami and played against D.C. United in a match where he proved again that his 39 years are just a number after scoring two goals against the Black and Red.
However, Inter Miami needs to adjust the engines if they want a shot at the MLS Cup this season. The team to beat, Nashville SC, is at an all-time high, leaving Messi and the Herons on the verge of realizing that winning back-to-back championships could be more difficult than they thought.
With 49 points, Miami must keep winning, as the teams chasing them below second place are close behind. If they want an "easy" path through the playoffs, they need to finish as high as possible in the Eastern Conference standings.
Now, what's next for Lionel Messi? Finish his contract with the Herons through 2028 and achieve glory in MLS.
According to Argentine journalist Gastón Edul, Messi reportedly has no intention of retiring before his deal with United States expires, giving soccer fans hope of watching the global superstar for a few more years.
However, Messi’s contract includes a year-by-year option, allowing him to depart at the conclusion of any season if he chooses.
Excluding tomorrow’s match against NYCFC, Inter Miami must deliver strong performances in their final six games to close out the regular season in top form.
In addition, Messi is once again leading the race for the MLS Golden Boot, currently sitting first with 23 goals. He is also second in assists, just behind Albert Rusnák, who has 14 compared to Messi’s 13.
Let’s hope for the best and that we can see Lionel Messi for two more years.
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