Lionel Messi appeared in may be his final significant global game as he faced former club Paris St-Germain in the Club World Cup, resulting in a disappointing 4-0 defeat for Inter Miami—yet his magic on the pitch was still present. The 38-year-old Argentine, hailed as one of the greatest to grace the sport, played to a packed stadium of 65,574 fans.
In a post-match statement, Inter Miami's coach, Javier Mascherano praised Messi's talent, underscoring that tickets were still sold out to see him perform. PSG's defender, Lucas Beraldo, shared his admiration for Messi, reflecting on childhood memories of watching him on screen. However, questions linger about whether this is the last we will see of the football icon on a global scale.
Messi's contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of 2025, but his future beyond that remains unclear. He has not confirmed if he will compete in the upcoming 2026 World Cup held in the US, Canada, and Mexico, though teammates and insiders have speculated that he may stay until then. Journalist Guillem Balague noted that Messi is taking things one step at a time, emphasizing family stability in Miami as a factor in his decision-making process.
Despite a career filled with accolades, including a World Cup victory in 2022, Messi's age is evident, and while he continues to dazzle fans, his best performances might be in the rearview mirror. This match marked the first time Messi faced PSG, the only club where he did not meet expectations, and they have thrived in his absence.
Throughout the match, Messi displayed flashes of brilliance, including a brilliant setup for his teammate and a couple of shots on goal. Yet, with the tournament not returning until 2029—when Messi will be 42—the spotlight on his future is shining brighter than ever. Fans are left to wonder if they have witnessed the last of Lionel Messi on the world’s biggest stage.
