Inter Miami will meet New York City F.C. on February 22 as Lionel Messi enters his third decade as a professional soccer player.
The 37-year-old Barcelona first-team debutant in 2004 will captain Inter Miami at the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup in the US this June. He will also lead his team in FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying, but he will be in attendance the following summer for the biggest sporting event.
Three friendly matches have been played by Lionel Messi for Inter Miami this year. The Argentine powerhouse has relied on his longtime pal Luis Suarez to lead the Florida club every game. Messi is starting the new year and wants to be healthy before his likely last World Cup.
Lionel may or may not remain captain of Argentina next summer. Argentina won the 2022 World Cup due to the star’s natural age. Messi still had flashes of genius in a “easier” league, while playing less. The number 10 sometimes disappointed club and nation when his body didn’t match his mentality.
Nevertheless, the emphasized events are factual. It appears the magic remains. The spark is there, but it may be weaker and more unpredictable against stronger opponents. As long as he retains his left foot and brains, Lionel Messi can still shape Argentina next summer.
