Lionel Messi spoke on Wednesday at the America Business Summit. He was the final speaker on the first day. Messi is a World Cup champion and an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
He is already seen by many as the greatest footballer of all time. Still, he believes there is more for him to do. He said that his time to look back will come only after he retires. His contract runs until 2028, so that moment may be far away.
“When I retire, as the years go by, obviously, I’ll value everything I did in my career and what I achieved professionally much more. But today is the time to keep enjoying myself and to keep playing,” he added.
Messi followed a long list of major speakers, including President Donald Trump, Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez interviewed him on stage and later gave him a ceremonial key to the city.
“It is spectacular, my first time living in this incredible city,” Messi said. “The affection of all the people from the first day, it was impressive and today is yet another example of the welcome. I’m very grateful.”
Suarez asked Messi about winning the World Cup in 2022. The next World Cup will take place next summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Argentina will try to defend their title.
“As a player, winning the World Cup, I think it’s the best,” Messi said. “After the World Cup, you can’t ask for anything more.”
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023. He won the MLS MVP award that season and is the favourite to win again this year. Inter Miami will host Nashville SC on Saturday in a decisive Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.
At 38, Messi remains one of the most dominant players in MLS. He scored 29 goals in the regular season, the most in the league. He finished ahead of Denis Bouanga and Sam Surridge. He also made 19 assists. His 48 total goal contributions were just one short of the record of 49, set by Carlos Vela in 2019.
But Messi said he has also begun to think about his life after football. He has business plans waiting for him once he stops playing.
“Unfortunately, at some point, it ends,” Messi said. “I want to continue learning. … For me, something else is coming, another world, and little by little I am getting involved.”
