Lionel Messi has chosen InterMiami as the club where he will spend the final years of his legendary career after leaving an extraordinary legacy in Europe. While he received the Key to the city of Miami, the Argentina legend opened up about his plans for life after football.
Since joining InterMiami in 2023, Messi has steadily expanded his footprint as a businessman. Which started with his MiM Hotels chain has now grown to include The Messi storeits energy drink brand More+and investments in the restaurant franchise The Milanese Clubamong other companies.
Speaking to Miami Mayor Francis Suárez at the 2025 American Business Forum, Messi discussed his growing interests outside the game: “I have had a very long sporting career – and I still do – and I have always had trusted people around me who took care of these things for me. But lately I’ve become much more interested in what is being done and what can be done. Unfortunately, football has an expiration date. At some point it will come to an end.“
Messi said he is eager to take on new challenges when that day arrives. “I enjoy looking at what could come next. I love the business world; I want to keep learning. I’m just getting started,he said.I have always been 100% dedicated to my profession, but I know that something else is coming – another world – and Little by little I get involved”, he added.
Miami Mayor Francis Suárez hands Lionel Messi the key to the city.
Messi recently extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028, meaning he can play until he is 42although he retains the option to shorten or even extend that timeline. With the first Messi Cup set to take place in Miami in December, the Argentine icon is already thinking about life beyond his playing days.
see also
Lionel Messi in, Suarez, Son and Muller out: MLS officially unveils the best XI of the 2025 season
Messi also reflected on the impact that both Inter Miami and Major League Soccer have had since his arrival: “Inter Miami has helped the city grow in terms of soccer momentum, but MLS has also brought about that change. We are fortunate to be able to play in full stadiums everywhere, with cities supporting their teams. I think football in general has grown a lot, and that’s becoming more and more apparent.”
Messi honored with Miami’s Key to the City
Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami not only transformed Major League Soccer, but left a lasting mark on the city itself. Chase Stadium has become a gathering place for fans and a beacon for young players looking to follow in his footsteps. To honor his influence, Mayor Suárez concluded their conversation at the American Business Forum by presenting Messi with the Key to the City.
After the event, Messi shared his gratitude on social media. “Very grateful for the recognition from the city of Miami, a place that is very special to my family and me. From the very first day, the people made us feel fantastic – just like again today at the American Business Forum event – with all the love and support from the residents of this beautiful city, but also from everyone at Inter Miami and its fans since the very beginning”, the Argentinian posted Instagram.
#Inter #Miamis #Lionel #Messi #reveals #postretirement #plans #receives #Key #City