The 2025 MLS season could be Lionel Messi’s final chapter in professional football. After a blockbuster 2024 campaign with Inter Miami that saw him break records, win trophies, and transform American soccer, the big question looms: Will this be his last dance?
In this exclusive 1,500+ word deep dive, we analyze:
✔ Messi’s 2025 season performance so far
✔ Inter Miami’s MLS Cup & CONCACAF Champions League ambitions
✔ The growing rumors about his retirement plans
✔ What comes next—ownership, Argentina role, or final European return?
✔ How MLS will cope when Messi eventually leaves
1. Messi’s 2025 Season: Still Dominating at 37?
By the Numbers (as of November 2024)
| Stat | 2024 Season | 2025 Season (Projected) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 22 (MLS + Leagues Cup) | 18 (so far) |
| Assists | 16 | 12 |
| Trophies Won | Leagues Cup | MLS Cup? |
Despite his age, Messi remains Inter Miami’s heartbeat:
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8 game-winning goals in 2025
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87th-minute free-kick winner vs. LAFC (September 2024)
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Still the league’s top creator (2.8 key passes per game)
Tata Martino’s Tactical Adjustments
To preserve Messi’s fitness, Inter Miami now uses him as a:
✅ False 9 (less defensive work)
✅ Second-half super-sub in less critical matches
For Messi’s latest stats, visit SoccerNewsz.com
2. Inter Miami’s 2025 Trophy Hunt
MLS Cup: The Ultimate Goal
After missing the 2024 playoffs, Miami is now:
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2nd in the Eastern Conference (3 pts behind Cincinnati)
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Best attack in MLS (2.4 goals/game)
Key Remaining Fixtures:
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vs. Cincinnati (Decision Day) – Potential Shield decider
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MLS Cup Playoffs – Starts November 2025
CONCACAF Champions League Dreams
Miami’s biggest 2025 ambition:
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Quarterfinals vs. Monterrey (March 2025)
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Win it to secure 2025 Club World Cup spot
3. Is Messi Retiring After 2025? The Growing Rumors
️ What Messi Has Said
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“I’ll decide year by year.” (June 2024 interview)
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“The body tells you when it’s time.” (After 2024 Leagues Cup)
The Clues Suggesting 2025 Could Be It
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Contract expires December 2025 (no extension talks yet)
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Increasing muscle fatigue (missed 5 games in 2024)
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Family prefers Barcelona return (per Spanish reports)
The Wildcard: 2026 World Cup
If Argentina needs him, Messi might play one more MLS season.
Latest Messi retirement rumors here
4. What’s Next for Messi? 3 Possible Paths
Path 1: Inter Miami Ownership Stake
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MLS discussing minority ownership offer (like Beckham)
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Would involve ambassadorial role
2: Argentina Technical Director
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Scaloni wants him as successor
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2026 World Cup in US/Mexico fits perfectly
3: Final European Return
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Barcelona’s “one last dance” rumors persist
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Saudi offer still exists ($400M/year)
5. How MLS Survives Post-Messi
✅ The Positives
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Apple TV deal secured through 2032
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New stars emerging (Almada, Puig, Bouanga)
❌ The Challenges
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Attendance drops likely (Messi boosted gates 30%)
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Sponsorships may dip (Adidas, Apple)
The Solution: More Designated Players
MLS is already targeting:
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Neymar (2026 rumor)
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Modric (2025 free agent)
6. Final Verdict: Enjoy Him While You Can
Our Prediction:
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Messi plays until December 2025
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Wins MLS Cup but skips 2026 season
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Takes Argentina role for World Cup
Rating His MLS Impact: 10/10
✅ Made MLS a top 5 league globally
✅ Sold out every away game
✅ Inspired next-gen USMNT stars
Your Turn: Will Lionel Messi’s Retire After 2025?
Vote below & follow @SoccerNewsz for updates!
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