Messi May Postpone Retirement Following Significant Changes to the MLS Schedule

Major League Soccer (MLS) officials are considering a drastic change to their schedule for the coming seasons, which could influence Lionel Messi’s decision on when to end his illustrious career.

Earlier this year, Messi revealed that he has no immediate plans to retire, although he did say that his current club, Inter Miami, will be the last team he plays for as a professional. After 17 years with Barcelona’s first team and two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi joined Miami in 2023.

"image"

 

The Argentine star’s contract runs for two and a half years, taking him through the end of 2025, with the option to extend it for another year, possibly prolonging his career until the end of 2026. According to information from The Athletic , MLS could adopt a European-style calendar, starting the season in the fall and ending in the spring.

Lionel Messi comments speak volumes after Inter Miami land MLS trophy -  Mirror Online

If the proposal is approved, the changes could take effect after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. This would leave Messi with just a few months remaining on his contract at a time when interest in soccer in the United States could be at its highest. With increased attention on the sport in that country, there could be pressure from Inter Miami officials to persuade their star to play the entire fall-to-spring season, rather than just half of it.

At 37, Messi is still dominating as a striker, with 21 goals and 12 assists in just 25 games. Only his friend Luis Suarez can compete with his attacking prowess, although the Uruguayan has played more minutes.

"image"

Messi’s impact isn’t just felt on the field, though. His presence also drives merchandise sales and TV ratings. Getting Messi to play an additional six months beyond his current contract could be a big deal for Miami.

Any change to the MLS schedule would align the American league with European soccer’s transfer windows and move the MLS playoffs, currently in October — when they compete for viewership with the MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL and college sports playoffs — to April or May, when the MLB and NBA seasons end.

MLS Vice President of Sports Products Nelson Rodriguez revealed that the league is evaluating fan opinion through surveys, as well as consulting with club executives, to decide whether to implement these changes.

According to The Athletic , this change would see the season begin in August, as in Europe, with a winter break in mid-December. The competition would resume after a five-week break in February, culminating with the MLS Cup at the end of May.

Related Posts

Scarlett Johansson Responds Strongly to Casting Rumors Dating Tom Cruise

carlett Johansson, the accomplished actress renowned for roles far bigger than tabloid controversies, made headlines when she took a stand against claims suggesting she auditioned to be Tom Cruise’s girlfriend in 2018. Scarlett, then 33, didn’t …

Read more

Cinema Treasures: Scarlett Johansson’s Incredible, Overlooked Works

‘Don Jon’ Director: Joseph Gordon-Levitt Johansson has appeared in quite a few romantic comedies, but 2013’s Don Jon is certainly one of the most singular. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut follows the relationship between the self-admitted …

Read more

Scarlett Johansson’s terrifying behind-the-scenes moment on the set of “Hitchcock”

Regarding the finest actors in modern cinema, there’s no doubt that Scarlett Johansson is up there with the best. Undoubtedly better known for her role in the Marvel superhero universe, where she starred as Black Widow, Johansson has also thrived …

Read more

From Avengers to Hollywood: Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans’ Memorable Movies

lthough best known in the pop media as the Black Widow and Captain America, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans both have impressive acting careers outside the MCU. While Evans started his career with television roles and a handful of movies before Captain …

Read more

A shining mark – Scarlett Johansson officially gets her star on the Walk of Fame

Scarlett Johansson, a well-rounded actress and a popular celebrity, has reached another significant accomplishment in her impressive career as she was granted a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This iconic recognition marks Johansson’s transition …

Read more

Scarlett Johansson – Style and confidence on the red carpet

The beautiful Scarlett Johansson has distinctively received a five-star rating for her slim and smooth feet. Not only is she beautiful, the talented actress was listed among the world’s highest-paid actresses from 2014 to 2016. At the age of 33, …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *