What Lionel Messi's Argentina retirement means for Inter Miami and MLS

Analysis

Tom Weber | Writer

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has ended his illustrious Argentina career - for real this time - and it could tell us a lot about his future plans.

The 39-year-old announced on his social media channels on Monday that he would no longer wear his country's famous white and blue after suffering defeat in the final of the 2026 World Cup.

This isn't the first time that the playmaker has retired from international soccer, but it actually feels real this time - and that is very sad. For the past 20 years, Messi and Argentina have defined the global game both positively and negatively.

Messi originally had a complicated relationship with the national team. He was always in the shadow of the great Diego Maradona, and he only managed to cement his place as an equal to El Pibe de Oro when he - finally - won the World Cup in 2022.

After a remarkable international career spanning six World Cups and 207 games (125 goals), Messi has now hung up his Argentina boots in a sad reminder that nothing lasts forever. This summer has really hit home that the greatest player of all time is winding down his career.

Could Messi retire this winter?

Circumstances beyond anyone's control have expedited the process. As Messi himself admitted in an addendum to his retirement statement, the tragic passing of his father reinforced his belief that it was time to quit.

"I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the [World Cup] final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than ever," the Argentine explained.

When Messi confirmed his father's passing last month, he admitted that he wasn't sure whether he could continue playing soccer, and there appears to be a very real chance that the 39-year-old retires at the end of the current MLS season, a year before the end of his contract.

On a human level, this would be totally understandable, of course. For Inter Miami and MLS, on the other hand, it would be the worst-case scenario because they would have to figure out how to replace Messi - not necessarily on the pitch but rather commercially.

Despite the big-name signings this summer, there is still no attraction like Messi. The Argentine has been an almost unquantifiable blessing for Miami and the league as a whole in a business sense.

Scores of stars have come and gone, but only the impact of David Beckham really compares to how the little magician has transformed MLS over the past three years - and you could argue that the league has actually failed to fully capitalise on the Messi effect.

Son Heung-min, Robert Lewandowski, Antoine Griezmann - they're all great, but they're not Messi. They won't be able to fill the Messi vacuum, and that likely means a less lucrative broadcast deal for the league once negotiations start next year or in 18 months.

His retirement would instantly diminish the attractiveness of MLS to sponsors and, of course, to players. This would hit Miami the hardest, obviously, as they have benefited the most from the Argentine's pull.

Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, Rodrigo de Paul and Casemiro all joined - and made financial sacrifices - because they wanted to play alongside him.

Miami have the economic muscle to attract high-profile players like that even without Messi, but having him as a trump card makes everything so much easier. With all that being said, we obviously shouldn't overreact.

Messi retiring wouldn't be the end of the world. It would have a noticeable impact on MLS, though, and it would be a setback at a time when the league is on an upward trajectory and about to enter a new era with next year's calendar switch and the proposed changes to roster and spending rules.

In that context, it could also be an opportunity, however. The old MLS could ride off into the sunset with Messi and make way for a new-look version of the league. The Argentine defined one era of MLS - now it's time for the league to enter a new one on its own.