Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami adventure continues to show it’s proven to be a successful decision from the Argentinian – but his next move remains up in the air for now.

Having left behind his tumultuous Barcelona exit and – at times – challenging PSG stint, the iconic seven-time Ballon d’Or winner signed a contract with David Beckham’s MLS franchise in 2023 and hasn’t looked back since. He’s been joined by some familiar faces in Miami, including Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Javier Mascherano was recently unveiled as their new manager, and Messi continues to be the poster boy of the league. The veteran soccer player is reaping substantial rewards for his commercial influence, with an estimated £50million in on-field earnings and a contract set to expire in December 2025 – but the benefits of his deal don’t end there.

It’s believed that Messi owns a stake in his current club, and there are reports that he, like Beckham, could have the opportunity to start his own franchise at a cheaper rate. Here, we have examined this potential leap from the field to the boardroom, and explore whether Messi will extend his playing career or decide to retire his legacy soon.

Messi, the franchise owner

When the football icon signed his current contract in Miami, it’s said that he was given a share of ownership in the organization that could be activated once his playing days are over.

Messi might well delve into football ownership within MLS, similar to the kind of pact Beckham signed when he first joined the MLS with LA Galaxy in 2007. This agreement eventually led to Beckham kicking off his Inter Miami initiative at a relatively bargain cost.

When Messi decides to hang up his boots, he may either join forces with Beckham behind the scenes or head up a rival executive team. The million-dollar question remains: when will Messi bid farewell to the field?

One more year?

Should Inter Miami’s co-owner Jorge Mas see his dreams realized, Messi’s tenure on the pitch could stretch until at least 2026. That’s when the sparkling 26,000-seat Miami Freedom Park stadium is slated for its grand debut.

Speaking at the draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Mas said: “As I said before, I’m very confident that he’ll be opening our new stadium in ’26.

“I’ll be sitting with Leo, you know, now at some point in the offseason. And I’m optimistic that as long as Leo’s health holds up, that we’ll be seeing him in pink.”

This aligns with the hope in Argentina that Messi will play until the 2026 World Cup, which is aptly set to take place in the US, as well as Canada and Mexico. If it does turn out to be his swan song in international competition, he would undeniably be its main attraction.

Calling it quits?

If Messi chooses to pursue an MLS trophy, fans could be treated to his mesmerizing soccer skills for at least another 18 months and retirement doesn’t seem to be on the cards just yet for the 37-year-old legend.

Mas also discussed his conversations with Messi, before he signed Mascherano as manager for the MLS team. He said: “I had a specific conversation with him [Messi]. Leo gave me what I asked him, which was input. That was Leo’s involvement and engagement with me, which (happens) frankly all the time.”

Messi remains deeply involved with the club’s decisions and planning for the future, indicating his soccer journey is far from over. However, when speaking to ESPN earlier this year, Messi confirmed that Miami would be the final place he’d call home in the sport.

He said: “Inter Miami will be my last club. I love playing football. I enjoy everything much more because I am aware that there is less [left to play].”