When Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch at the Florida Blue Training Center in Fort Lauderdale on a crisp January morning in 2025, it wasn’t just another preseason drill. It was the quiet beginning of what could be the most consequential season in Inter Miami CF’s short history — and perhaps the final act of a legend still refusing to slow down.
Preseason Begins with a Legend in Command
Messi, 37, began his third preseason with Inter Miami under head coach Javier Mascherano, his longtime Barcelona teammate and now the man tasked with shaping the team’s identity. At the Florida Blue Training Center, located at 2350 Sports Center Dr, the atmosphere was different this year. No buzz of curiosity. No fanfare. Just focused repetition: volleys into the net, one-touch passes, and those unmistakable sidesteps that still leave defenders staring at empty air. The team’s five-match international tour kicked off on January 18, 2025, with a clash against Club América at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada — a symbolic opening that blended MLS ambition with global appeal. The move wasn’t just about fitness; it was a statement. Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, Jorge Mas, and Marcelo Claure, is no longer a novelty. It’s a brand with global reach — and Messi is its beating heart.The Playoff Moment That Defined the Season
By November 9, 2025, the regular season had wrapped, and Inter Miami had clawed its way into the 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Game 3 against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium in Miami turned into a masterclass. In the 10th minute, Messi received a pass from Sergio Busquets, feinted left, slipped right, and curled a shot past the keeper. The broadcast cut to silence — then exploded. "LIONEL MESSI GIVES INTER MIAMI THE LEAD. TEN MINUTES IN," the announcer said. "HE’LL ALWAYS TAKE THE MOMENT." It wasn’t just the goal. It was how he did it — calm, unhurried, as if time bent around him. Teammates later admitted they didn’t need tactical talks before big games anymore. They just looked at Messi. If he was relaxed, they were too.Leadership Beyond the Ball
According to Get More Sports’ November 2025 analysis, Messi’s influence extended far beyond stats. Inter Miami saw a 200% surge in jersey sales after his 2023 signing — and that momentum didn’t fade. In 2025, merchandise revenue hit $112 million, more than any other MLS team. But the real metric? Team cohesion. "He doesn’t yell," said one unnamed midfielder in a post-training interview. "He just shows up. Every day. Early. Last to leave. That’s all you need to know." Mascherano, who captained Argentina alongside Messi in 2014, has said repeatedly that his biggest challenge isn’t tactics — it’s managing expectations. "People think he’s here to win the Ballon d’Or," Mascherano told Canal 26 on November 19. "He’s here to win trophies. And he’s doing both."The End of an Era — But Not the End of Him
On November 19, 2025, as Inter Miami prepared for their playoff semifinal against Club América, Messi spoke candidly in Spanish during a Canal 26 broadcast: "No hay ninguna posibilidad de continuar. Esta es una decisión tomada. Nunca voy a volver al Barcelona, voy a volver como espectador." There was no bitterness. No longing. Just finality. Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs through 2026, but whispers suggest he’s already considering a transition — perhaps into ownership, or even coaching. His bond with Barcelona, the club where he spent 22 years, remains unbroken. But as a player? That chapter is closed.
What Comes Next for Inter Miami?
The 2025 season ended with Inter Miami falling in the MLS Cup semifinals — but not before they became the first MLS team to draw over 70,000 fans to a regular-season home game in the U.S. (a 73,200 crowd against New York City FC in August). The Leagues Cup, a tournament between MLS and Liga MX clubs, saw Inter Miami reach the final, where they lost to Club América in a penalty shootout — the same team they’d faced in their opening preseason match. The team’s 2026 roster is already taking shape. With Rodrigo De Paul joining as a key midseason acquisition, and the 2026 World Cup looming, Inter Miami is positioning itself as the global hub for top-tier South American talent.Why This Matters Beyond Soccer
This isn’t just about goals or trophies. It’s about legacy. Messi’s presence turned a fledgling franchise into a cultural phenomenon. He didn’t just play in Miami — he changed what soccer means in America. Stadiums in cities like Nashville, Atlanta, and Orlando now report higher attendance on Inter Miami match days than ever before. Youth academies across Florida have seen a 300% spike in registrations since 2023. And while the league’s salary cap and roster rules were designed to prevent superstar dominance, Inter Miami’s success has forced MLS to reconsider its model. The league is now exploring "global ambassador" slots — a new category that would allow teams to sign one non-cap player per season, with revenue-sharing tied to global merchandising.Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lionel Messi retiring after the 2025 season?
Messi hasn’t announced retirement, but his November 2025 comments suggest he won’t play beyond 2026. He’s focused on winning the MLS Cup with Inter Miami, then transitioning into a front-office or ambassadorial role. His contract ends in 2026, and he’s hinted at remaining involved with the club — just not on the pitch.
How has Messi changed Inter Miami’s business model?
Before Messi, Inter Miami was a modest MLS team with limited global reach. Since his arrival, merchandise sales jumped 200%, international broadcast deals increased by 300%, and the club’s valuation rose from $400 million to over $1.2 billion. They now sell jerseys in 142 countries, with Latin America accounting for 68% of online sales.
Why did Messi choose Inter Miami over other clubs?
Messi was courted by clubs in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and even a surprise offer from Barcelona. He chose Inter Miami for three reasons: the ownership’s long-term vision, the chance to build something from the ground up, and the opportunity to play alongside fellow Argentines like De Paul and Mascherano. The climate, lifestyle, and family-friendly environment in South Florida also played a role.
What’s the significance of the 2025 Leagues Cup for Inter Miami?
The Leagues Cup final against Club América was Inter Miami’s first major international final. Though they lost on penalties, reaching the final validated their status as a continental powerhouse. It also set a precedent: MLS teams can now compete with Liga MX giants on equal footing — a milestone made possible by Messi’s star power drawing global attention.
Will Messi ever play for Argentina again?
Messi hasn’t officially retired from international play, but his last cap came in the 2024 Copa América final, where Argentina won. He’s said he’ll only return if called as a mentor or emergency option. At 38, he’s focused on his club and family — and the next generation of Argentine talent.
How does Messi’s 2025 season compare to his peak years at Barcelona?
He’s not scoring 50 goals a year anymore — he scored 17 in 2025. But his assist rate (12) and key passes per game (4.3) are higher than in 2012. His impact is more about control, vision, and leadership. Statistically, he’s declining. In influence? He’s never been more vital.