GOAL writers debate whether Messi should consider leaving MLS, and if a move for De Paul would help keep him in Miami
These are interesting times in Miami. The Herons crashed out of the Club World Cup in unspectacular fashion, beaten convincingly by a far superior PSG side. But they have since rebounded in style, smashing Montreal on the back of a Lionel Messi masterclass.
There's other intriguing stuff, too. Miami have been heavily linked with Atletico Madrid midfielder, Rodrigo De Paul. On his day, the Argentine is among the best in the world in his position. He is a stalwart of his national team and a favorite of Diego Simeone's.
But he would also cost a reported $17 million, and require some serious roster reconfiguration. Miami would almost certainly need a designated player spot to allow for his signature – something they do not currently have. And although it has been reported that there is mutual interest in the move, for technical reasons, it might require, for example, the retirement of Sergio Busquets – something that doesn't seem imminent.
Still, this is Miami, and MLS has repeatedly found ways for them to assemble Messi's old teammates. What's another bit of financial wizardry?
This all comes at a time, though, with the MLS Cup favorites staring at the existential question of of Messi's future. There has been speculation of a possible move abroad, and while Miami insist that an agreement on a new contract is down to its final stage, the uncertainty will have both the club and MLS somewhat on edge.
GOAL US writers break down all things Messi and Miami in the latest edition of… The Rondo.
AFPIs the best move for Messi to stay in Miami?
Tom Hindle: Unquestionably. Those across the pond might not admit it, but MLS is a good level of competition for the Argentine, while it certainly allows him the flexibility to manage his legs a little. Let's be honest: he's got about 18 months of football left. America is the best place to play them out.
Jacob Schneider: Anywhere at a high level is a good spot for Messi, to be frank. At Miami, though, he is surrounded by friends and family and in a situation that is built around him to succeed. Heading into 2026, it’s hard to think of a better place for him.
Ryan Tolmich: Absolutely, and there isn't really an argument otherwise. At this point in his career, Messi can still go with the very best of them, but it's unlikely he can go with the consistency required to play at the highest levels of European soccer. In Miami, he can live a comfortable life, play with his friends and, if all goes to plan, still win things. What else could he want in these final few years?
Alex Labidou: He's reported to be a part-owner of Inter Miami and has a stake in the league's Apple TV deal. While the finer details have not been disclosed, the obvious answer should be of course, he should stay. All of the rumors seem like nothing more than a way to extract the absolute best offer and roster composition to keep Messi happy in MLS. Can anybody really see Messi embracing a move to the Middle East? At least compared to his situation at Miami, which is essentially South America north? No.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesAre there any opportunities that should tempt Messi?
TH: Realistically? Nah. America presents a perfect balance of competition and lifestyle. Don't overthink it. Butyou could understand the temptation should a Barca offer actually come. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and Messi has repeatedly admitted he never wanted to leave the club. He would probably still be there if the Blaugrana hadn't messed up their finances five years ago.
JS: If Barca asked him to come back, he’d drop everything – who wouldn’t? – but moves to the Middle East likely will not tempt him. It’s not a playing level that Messi would be interested in. As for a move to a club in his native Argentina, he has confidently said it’s not the time yet.
RT: The only tempting offers, realistically, would be Newell's or Barcelona. Financially and logistically, Newell's will likely never make sense. A Barcelona homecoming, meanwhile, would be unimaginably risky. How many great movies have we seen dinged by lackluster sequels? Let the past stay in the past, and go back only for what should be the greatest testimonial ever put together.
AL: The only two offers that would make sense from a sentimental point of view, not a footballing one, are Barcelona or Newell's Old Boys. Yet, as seen plenty of times over the past three years, Barcelona can barely afford to keep the players they have on their roster – they couldn't find a way to register Spain star Nico Williams. Is Messi going to play there for free? Obviously not, and Newell's aren't in a great sporting or financial position right now either. It's Inter Miami or the Middle East.
Getty Images SportAre Argentina still better with him?
TH: Yes, but that window is closing. There is still magic in those boots, yet it's fair to wonder where he might be in a year. That left foot won't disappear, but can his legs manage a 48-team World Cup in the middle of the summer? Tough to say. This Argentina team have probably peaked. Is now the time to think about the next era?
JS: Of course. He is the body and soul of that team, the heart and passion of all things Albiceleste. Lionel Scaloni still builds his system around Messi, and his teammates know that he is the key to the national team.
RT: Absolutely. Even if his actual soccer skills disappear, and they haven't, the mentality that he inspires in the national team cannot be understated. Argentina follow him like soldiers off to battle, and it's because of that mentality that they continue to win. Argentina aren't the most talented team in the world by any stretch, but they are the most mentally strong, and it's Messi's leadership that inspires that strength.
AL: Yes, Argentina are uniquely built to capitalize on his strengths and have elite defensive midfielders such as De Paul to cover up his weaknesses. Not sure if they are the favorites heading into 2026, but as seen at the Club World Cup with Miami against Porto, it only takes one moment for Messi to knock a team out.
(C)Getty ImagesWhat's the right time for Messi to retire?
TH: It feels unbelievably silly to tell any of these lads when to go. But for the narrative arc? After the 2026 World Cup – or at the end of that MLS season. However, declines are rapid in football. Can Messi still be effective in 12 months time? Probably, but you wouldn't begrudge him for walking away at the end of this season. Leave the football before the football leaves you.
JS: It would not be a surprise if he retires in 2028 – getting one last Copa America with Argentina in the books. However, a send off after the 2026 World Cup, internationally, would be a beautiful one.
RT: Whenever the hell he wants. He has earned the right to go out on his own terms, whatever those may be. Does he want to retire on a high and leave the world wanting more? Does he want to go until the wheels fall off and he uses every bit of soccer left in his body? Entirely up to him! Few players know when to call it quits at the right time but, when it comes to Messi, the right time is whenever he says so. The world will enjoy watching him play until that moment comes.
AL: If Messi retires from international football and stays in Miami, he could reasonably dominate in MLS for at least three more years. Even if he continues to lose a step, his technical ability, as shown against Montreal last week, is unlike any seen in the league before. If he is seriously considering a return to Europe, that timeline gets halved. European club soccer is all about pressing high and being part of a cohesive unit and Messi doesn't have the legs for that anymore.
