Messi Confirms He Can Continue Playing Until Age 41

Lionel Messi has dropped a bombshell for football fans: the 38-year-old superstar believes he can continue playing at the elite level for another three to four years. "I do it for the love of soccer, I enjoy it," Messi told former Italian international Antonio Cassano during a recent meeting at Inter Miami's training facility.

The revelation came during an extended visit where Cassano spent nearly two hours with Messi and his family. Speaking on the Viva El Futbol podcast, Cassano appeared visibly moved by the encounter. "He's the only person that, when I see him, I can't speak, I can't say anything," admitted the ex-Italy star, despite having shared pitches with countless world-class players throughout his career.

With 86 goals in 100 Major League Soccer matches, Messi continues to dominate North American football at an age when most players have long since retired.

2026 World Cup implications for Canada and beyond

Messi's current deal with Inter Miami extends through 2028. His latest comments suggest this isn't merely a symbolic contract but a legitimate athletic commitment. Most significantly for fans across North America, this timeline strongly indicates Messi will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada is co-hosting alongside the United States and Mexico.

While Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni hasn't announced his roster and Messi hasn't made an official declaration, saying he can play "three or four more years" removes much of the speculation. Canadian football supporters could witness the living legend compete on home soil.

For those following Inter Miami's championship aspirations, this news carries enormous weight. A healthy, engaged Messi between ages 38 and 41 represents the gap between genuine title contention and mediocrity in MLS. His statistics — 86 goals and 45 assists across 100 appearances — aren't inflated numbers but evidence of a player still performing at unprecedented levels for the league.

When Cassano posed the inevitable question about being football's greatest player ever, Messi responded with typical humility: "Whether I'm No. 1, No. 2, No. 5, No. 10 or No. 15, what difference does it make to me? It changes nothing for me. I don't listen to whether I'm first, second or third. I have passion and love for soccer."

Current challenges facing Inter Miami

Despite Messi's long-term assurances, Inter Miami faces immediate concerns following a 4-3 defeat to Florida rivals Orlando SC. The team's next opportunity for redemption arrives May 10 against Toronto FC — a matchup that Canadian audiences will watch closely.

Future promises mean little if the Herons can't address their defensive vulnerabilities. The backline continues hemorrhaging goals while relying excessively on Messi's offensive brilliance to compensate.

Having Messi for three or four additional years represents an extraordinary privilege. Squandering that opportunity with poor defensive organization would constitute a serious missed opportunity.