Messi Reveals Plans to Continue Playing Through 2028 and Beyond

Lionel Messi has made it crystal clear that retirement isn't on his radar anytime soon. The 38-year-old Inter Miami superstar revealed he intends to keep playing for another three to four years, driven purely by his passion for the beautiful game.

"I can play three or four more years. I do it for the love of soccer, I enjoy it," Messi told former Italian international Antonio Cassano during a recent visit to Inter Miami's training facility. The conversation, which lasted nearly two hours and included Messi's family, was later shared on Cassano's Viva El Futbol podcast.

Cassano, who played alongside some of football's biggest names during his career, admitted being starstruck by the encounter. "He's the only person that, when I see him, I can't speak, I can't say anything," the ex-Italy forward confessed.

2026 World Cup implications for Canada and beyond

Messi's timeline carries massive significance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada will co-host alongside the United States and Mexico. Playing until age 41 or 42 would mean the Argentine legend will almost certainly feature in the tournament, barring injury.

While Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni hasn't announced his squad plans and Messi hasn't made an official commitment, his stated timeline makes participation highly probable. Canadian football fans could witness the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner competing on home soil in what would likely be his final World Cup appearance.

His current Inter Miami contract extends through 2028, and these comments suggest it's far more than a marketing exercise—it represents a genuine athletic commitment from one of the sport's all-time greats.

MLS impact and betting implications

For Major League Soccer and anyone tracking Inter Miami's championship prospects, this news is significant. Messi has recorded 86 goals and 45 assists across 100 MLS appearances—production that continues to separate Miami from the competition when he's healthy and engaged.

A motivated Messi playing at age 38-41 remains the difference between genuine title contention and mediocrity in MLS. These aren't sympathy statistics—they reflect a player still performing at a level the league has never seen and may never see again.

When Cassano posed the inevitable question about being the greatest player in history, Messi's response was typically humble: "Whether I'm No. 1, No. 2, No. 5, No. 10 or No. 15, what difference does it make to me? It changes nothing for me. I don't listen to whether I'm first, second or third. I have passion and love for soccer."

Current challenges at Inter Miami

Despite Messi's long-term commitment, Inter Miami faces immediate concerns. The club recently dropped a 4-3 decision to Florida rivals Orlando SC, exposing defensive vulnerabilities that continue to plague the team.

Messi will have his next opportunity to respond when Miami travels to face Toronto FC on May 10. While having the Argentine maestro for three or four more seasons represents an incredible asset, the Herons must address their defensive frailties to avoid wasting his remaining prime years.

Long-term promises mean little without short-term results, and Miami's backline needs fixing if they want to maximize this extraordinary window with Messi in their colours.