Lionel Messi’s season in Major League Soccer has concluded. So, what are the next steps for the Argentine World Cup champion in the United States?

Could 2025 be a packed year ahead, and possibly setting the stage for the World Cup in 2026? That’s definitely the goal.

Is Messi considering retirement soon? Not quite yet, but it may be on the horizon.

Messi finds himself at the twilight of his illustrious career. He has a contract with Inter Miami until 2025. He’ll turn 38 next June, and has yet to affirm his participation in the next World Cup at 39.

Injuries, fatigue, and even substantial setbacks caused uncertainty in 2024. These challenges won’t disappear over the next couple of years either.

“We finished a season in which we grew as a club. While we accomplished some objectives, we aimed for more,” Messi expressed on Instagram on Monday. “Thank you to everyone who supported us. Let’s prepare to return stronger next year.”

Messi and Inter Miami faced an unexpected defeat against Atlanta United in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs on Saturday. This marked one of the most significant upsets in the league’s history and was a disappointing conclusion to Messi’s first complete season with the team.

Messi’s reputation as one of the greatest players of all time remains intact, despite Inter Miami’s early playoff elimination. However, not winning the MLS Cup after a historic season is certainly a letdown for him, the club, the league, and commercial partners such as Apple TV.

Messi will wrap up the year by playing two final matches with Argentina to qualify for the upcoming World Cup. Argentina will visit Paraguay on Wednesday and then host Peru next Tuesday. After that, the offseason begins for Messi while the MLS Cup playoffs continue without him.

Time is ticking for Inter Miami. Co-owned by David Beckham and brothers Jorge and Jose Mas, the club is all set for 2024, having secured talent to support Messi and keep the team competitive during his absences. They clinched two titles this season: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the MLS Supporters’ Shield. Can they replicate that success next year?

Luis Suarez is discussing a possible return, Jordi Alba is eager to come back, and Sergio Busquets is likely to do the same if the others do. There’s even speculation about Neymar possibly reuniting with his former Barcelona teammates once his contract with Saudi’s Al-Hilal ends next summer.

Messi won’t face extensive national team commitments outside of World Cup qualifiers in the coming year. Inter Miami will participate in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Club World Cup, Leagues Cup, and will aim for the MLS title again in 2025. Including the chase for another Supporters Shield, Miami has five opportunities to secure trophies.

“The step I intended to take here wasn’t about retirement – far from it,” Messi remarked about joining Inter Miami. “We came to elevate this club … to assist in its growth and to win titles.”

Nonetheless, it’s evident that Messi is nearing the end of his prime. While he has displayed moments of brilliance, he has at times faded during crucial games.

Messi scored one goal and played in five of Argentina’s six Copa America games. However, he missed a penalty kick in the quarterfinal against Ecuador, attempting a risky shot that sailed over the goalpost and hit the top net.

In the Copa America final against Colombia, he battled through an injured right ankle, and his disappointment was evident as he teared up on the sidelines while his ankle swelled dramatically in the second half.

Fortunately, his teammates, including star goalkeeper Dibu Martinez, held down the defense, and Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal, enabling Messi and Argentina to win their second consecutive Copa America title.

In MLS, Messi notably scored a goal and provided five assists in a match against the New York Red Bulls on May 4. He had a standout performance with two goals against the reigning champion Columbus Crew, contributing to Miami’s Supporters’ Shield victory on October 2. Remarkably, he achieved two hat tricks within a week – one for Argentina and another for Inter Miami in their season finale to secure the MLS points record right before the playoffs.

However, in his inaugural MLS playoffs, Messi only managed to score once and provide an assist across his first three playoff matches as Inter Miami’s season came to a disappointing end.

Atlanta’s interim coach, Rob Valentino, inspired his team with a fearless mindset, leading them to victory. Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan stood out with an impressive 17 saves throughout the series.

Moreover, Inter Miami played most of the final two matches without Busquets, the legendary midfielder who filled in as a center-back for most of the season. He suffered a knock that led to pneumonia-like symptoms, only being cleared to play for Saturday’s match just a day earlier.

Busquets’ injury meant Inter Miami’s goalie Drake Callender faced overwhelming pressure defensively, which did not bode well for their chances. In the final two games, Atlanta outscored Inter Miami 5-2, leading to a total of 6-5 in the series.

Despite the disparity between the two teams, it was evident. Inter Miami featured two MVP finalists, Messi and Suarez, while Messi’s salary of $20.46 million exceeded Atlanta’s whole payroll of $15.2 million—ranking 23rd out of 29 MLS teams. The standings’ 34-point gap was the largest in MLS postseason history.

“The expectation is to win and progress, and when that doesn’t happen, it stings deeply. That’s exactly what we are going through,” Callender stated following the defeat.

Messi has brought his talent to MLS and the United States in the latter stages of his career. Whether he can lead Inter Miami to another title will not overshadow the remarkable legacy he has already established.

Inter Miami’s first playoff match became Apple TV’s most-watched sporting event.

Messi has the best-selling jersey in MLS and globally for adidas, significantly boosting Inter Miami’s international profile.

The MLS has had its best season in terms of attendance, witnessing more fans at games this year than in any other season during its 30-year tenure. Furthermore, the league has also seen a rise in corporate sponsorships and engagement on social media.

Inter Miami has emerged as the most popular North American sports franchise on TikTok, boasting 10.2 million followers, and ranks third on Instagram with 17.2 million followers, only trailing behind the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers.

Messi’s various business ventures are flourishing as well, including his brand of beverages, cologne, an action toy, a menu collaboration with Hard Rock, and partnerships with companies like Adidas, Michelob Ultra, Lays, and Lowe’s, among others.

Business is undoubtedly thriving for Messi and shows no signs of slowing down.

However, there may be a limited time frame.

Messi’s most devoted fans are uncertain if he has just one or two seasons left in him.

“Honestly, I can’t tell how much longer [he will be here],” said Inter Miami coach Tata Martino regarding Messi’s future. “Time is passing, and it’s definitely on the horizon, but I wouldn’t say it’s imminent.”