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David Beckham has revealed Lionel Messi's retirement plans after Inter Miami's MLS Cup win on Saturday, December 6. He said that the Argentine told him that he wants to move back to Barcelona.
Inter Miami beat Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the MLS Cup final at the Chase Stadium on Saturday. Lionel Messi provided two assists to secure another trophy for the Herons. Overall, he registered 43 goals and 26 assists in 49 games across competitions this campaign.
However, with the forward now 38, there has been speculation about his potential retirement. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham revealed what Messi told him about his plans, saying (h/t Marca):
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"I would like Messi to live in Miami after he retires. But Leo told me that he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou. There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does. You can see the Barca logo on his leg and even on his water bottle."
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and recently extended his contract until 2028. However, many expect him to retire after the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer.
When David Beckham opened up about Lionel Messi's new deal at Inter Miami
Lionel Messi's initial contract with Inter Miami was set to expire at the end of this year. However, after months of speculation, he penned a new deal in October, which will expire in 2028.
After the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner signed the contract, David Beckham told the club's website:
“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done. We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the Club, and to the game."
"He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win. As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky,” he added.
Lionel Messi joined the David Beckham co-owned side in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as a free agent. He has since scored 77 goals and provided 44 assists in 88 games across competitions for them, winning the Supporters' Shield, the Leagues Cup, and the MLS Cup.
