Messi features for Inter Miami in loss to Leon after retirement hint

Argentina’s all‑time great Lionel Messi hinted on Wednesday that he may be nearing the end of his playing career, a suggestion that came just before he took the field for Inter Miami in a 2‑1 loss to Mexico’s Club León. The 36‑year‑old, who joined the MLS side in 2023 after a storied tenure with Barcelona and Paris Saint‑Germain, was asked about his future during a pre‑match interview and replied that he was “thinking about the next chapter,” fueling speculation about a possible retirement following the World Cup.

Messi’s comments arrived amid a challenging start to Inter Miami’s season, with the team struggling to translate his individual brilliance into consistent results. The defeat to León, the first meeting between the clubs, saw Miami dominate possession but fail to convert chances, while León capitalised on a counter‑attack to secure the win. As Messi continues to lead the squad on and off the pitch, his hinted retirement adds an extra layer of uncertainty for both the club and the Argentine national team, which will look to him for guidance in upcoming international competitions.