Messi's Last Hurrah? The Argentine Legend's Performance at the Club World Cup Sparks Speculation

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, recently played what could potentially be his final game on the global stage, leaving fans and experts speculating about his future. The 38-year-old Argentine was on the losing end in Atlanta as his former club Paris St-Germain (PSG) defeated Inter Miami 4-0 at the Club World Cup.

Following the game, which was watched by 65,574 fans, Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano praised Messi, saying, "PSG are in great form, champions of everything, but people still pay for a ticket to see Leo Messi, even at 38 years old." PSG defender Lucas Beraldo added, "Leo is a unique person. To share a game with him was magnificent. I was a kid watching his magic on the television, so it's unique."

Messi's contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season. However, his future beyond that is uncertain. Argentina team-mate Nicolas Otamendi and Inter Miami colleague Luis Suarez both expect Messi to stay on until at least the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, along with Mexico and Canada. Guillem Balague, a Spanish journalist who wrote a book on Messi in 2023, stated, "Nobody knows, least of all Messi himself."

In his BBC Sport column before this game, Balague said, "Messi's family are settled in Miami and he is thought to be in talks to extend his stay at the club." Balague added, "If he renews and stays in America, he'll evaluate the situation when he needs to, but for the time being he is just taking things step by step." The Spanish journalist went on to say, "Everyone involved wants to see him leading Argentina at the World Cup in America in a year's time. But he has not indicated to anyone what his final decision is."

Messi achieved the holy grail of winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, removing the main argument against whether he could be considered the best footballer ever. Nobody has ever won two World Cups as captain. However, his performance in this US tournament left room for improvement. There was one moment where Messi stood over a free-kick with about five minutes left when it felt as if everyone was willing him to score, but he hit it into the wall.

Ex-Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi, watching for Dazn, said, "He's so clever, he walks around the pitch but when the ball touches his feet he just goes. He's like a player from a different planet." During his days, when he was at the peak of his powers, Messi was incredible to play against. The way he plays, the way he touches the ball, it never leaves his feet."

Football will never forget Messi, who is the all-time record goalscorer of Barcelona (672), Argentina (112) and Inter Miami (50). However, at the age of 38, his best days are clearly and understandably behind him. Remarkably, this was the first time he had faced a former team. And it was against the only club where he failed to meet expectations. PSG have been a better team since he left, with his 32 goals in 75 games failing to help them win the Champions League. They finally won it this season without star names Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe - and are bidding to add the Club World Cup to the treble they have already won.

Messi showed he is still a man of moments in this US tournament, not least with his free-kick goal against Porto in the group stage. PSG eased up in the second half after netting four times in the first period and that allowed Messi several moments as Inter Miami saw a lot more of the ball. A great cushioned ball over the top gave Suarez an excellent chance but the striker's first touch let him down. "That's the touch of the tournament from Lionel Messi," said Dazn pundit Don Hutchison, the ex-Scotland midfielder.

Messi had a shot blocked, hit that free-kick into the wall and had a couple of shots saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma. The first was when he glided past a couple of defenders into the box before shooting - and the second was a header - reminiscent of his 2009 Champions League final goal for Barcelona against Manchester United.

In conclusion, Messi's performance at the Club World Cup has left many wondering about his future. While he showed flashes of brilliance, it is clear that his best days are behind him. If he decides to continue playing, it is likely that he will focus on club-level matches in North America.

This tournament is not due to be played again until 2029, when Messi will be 42. Surely, we have not seen the last of the great Lionel Messi, but his future remains uncertain.