He’s 38. Most players at that age are either playing in testimonial matches or shouting at a television screen from a comfortable leather sofa. But Lionel Messi is currently sitting on 896 career goals and honestly, he doesn't look like he's ready to stop.
The magic hasn't vanished. It’s just... different now.
If you watched the 2024 Copa América final, you saw the tears. That swollen right ankle looked like a grapefruit. People said that was it—the definitive end of the international road. Yet, here we are in January 2026, and the conversation isn't about his retirement; it's about whether he can actually lead Argentina to a title defense in the upcoming World Cup.
He’s still the most searched athlete on the planet. People aren't just looking for highlights anymore; they’re searching for "Messi net worth" and "Messi Inter Miami contract," trying to figure out how much longer the circus stays in town.
What Most People Get Wrong About the MLS Move
There’s this annoying narrative that Messi went to Miami to "retire on the beach."
That’s basically nonsense.
In the 2025 season, Messi didn't just play; he dominated. We’re talking about 29 goals and 19 assists across 28 games. He led Inter Miami to an MLS Cup triumph, proving that even at half-speed, his vision is miles ahead of everyone else on the pitch. He isn't sprinting past 22-year-old defenders anymore—he doesn't have to. He just stands in the gaps and waits for the game to come to him.
The numbers are kinda ridiculous:
- 1.04 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes (99th percentile).
- 10.74 progressive passes per 90.
- 8.87 average match rating in the 2025/2026 cycle.
It's not just about the goals. It’s about the gravity he exerts on a defense. When Messi is on the field, three defenders are stuck to him like glue, which is why players like Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba are still finding space to look like they’re in their prime.
The Physical Reality of Being 38
Let's be real for a second. The body is creaking.
Since that ankle injury against Colombia, Messi has been much more selective. He missed a chunk of the 2024 season and has been vocal about not wanting to be a "burden" to the national team. He’s plying his trade in a league that requires massive travel, which isn't great for aging joints.
He told SPORT recently that he's taking it day by day. He knows the 2026 World Cup is "special" because it's in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada—his current backyard. But he’s also smart enough to know that if he can't contribute at the highest level, he’d rather stay home.
Why He’s Back in the Ballon d'Or Conversation
Nobody expected this. Seriously.
The award shifted to a seasonal format, and while guys like Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal are the favorites for the 2026 trophy, Messi has somehow clawed his way back into the top 10 contenders list.
How?
It's the "Messi Effect." He won the MLS Cup. He’s kept Argentina at the top of the FIFA rankings. In a world where European football is the only thing that usually matters for these awards, he has forced the voters to look at North America.
His influence is inescapable. Inter Miami is signing players like Sergio Reguilón and David Ayala just to keep up with the standard he sets. Even the young prospects, like 18-year-old Daniel Pinter, are being fast-tracked because they get to train next to the guy every morning.
The 2026 World Cup: One Last Dance?
This is what everyone is actually waiting for.
Argentina has already qualified. Lionel Scaloni still treats him as the centerpiece. But the intensity of a World Cup is different from a humid Wednesday night in Charlotte.
The critics say he should have walked away after Qatar. They say the 2024 Copa injury was a warning from the gods of football. But if you’ve followed his career, you know he lives for the "impossible" narrative.
He’s currently at 195 caps and 114 international goals. He doesn't need more records. He has eight Ballons d'Or and three FIFA "The Best" awards. He literally finished football in 2022.
But the hunger seems to be there. Sorta.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're following the Lionel Messi saga into the 2026 season, keep these factors in mind:
- Monitor the Minutes: Watch his "Minutes Per Goal" metric. In 2025, it was around 88 minutes. If that starts climbing toward 120, it’s a sign the physical decline is outrunning his technique.
- The "Home" Advantage: The World Cup final is scheduled for New Jersey. Messi lives in Florida. The lack of transatlantic travel for the tournament could be the secret weapon that keeps him fresh.
- Watch the Transfers: Inter Miami is aggressively rebuilding. The failure to land Giovani Lo Celso recently shows that even Messi's pull has limits when players are worried about their own World Cup spots.
- Statistical Nuance: Don't just look at goals. Look at "Shot-Creating Actions." In 2025, he was averaging over 7 per game. That’s the real indicator of his value.
The story isn't over. It's just in a very weird, very expensive, and very high-stakes final chapter.
Whether he steps onto the pitch in June 2026 or watches from the VIP box, his impact on the game is already permanent. But honestly? My money is on him wearing the captain's armband one last time.
Stay updated on the Inter Miami match logs and Argentina's friendly schedule through the spring. These 15-20 games will be the ultimate litmus test for his fitness. Keep a close eye on his "Successful Take-Ons" percentage; it's the first stat to drop when a player loses their "pop" off the mark.