Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterWhen you're 39 years old and the end of your playing days are in sight, there is always a chance you wake up and realise the spark has gone out.That is a question Lionel Messi will need to consider over this final week of the World Cup - whether Argentina successfully defend their title or not.Whether it's going out on a high or feeling he simply has nothing left to prove, the question is: will Messi decide to retire after the World Cup?Lionel Messi's Inter Miami contract complicates retirement pictureThe decision may not come down to purely footballing considerations, however.Messi is the third highest-paid athlete in the world, according to Forbes, and while only some of that comes from his actual playing contract at Inter Miami, he is clearly worth a lot more while he is still active than he will be after he retires. You may like 'Well know in a few months' Lionel Messi close friend gives verdict on Argentina legend's retirement plans Lionel Messi may be undisputed greatest of all time after breaking World Cup record - but that's besides the point Is Messi playing at World Cup 2026? There's a potential bit of future-proofing at play, too. Messi's previous contract with Inter Miami was set to expire at the end of 2025, but he signed a new three-year deal to extend his stay instead.That new contract will not run out until he is 41 years old, and in the absence of any other evidence in either direction, is the strongest suggestion that he sees himself playing beyond the World Cup.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.However, that situation could be complicated by the actual terms of his deal, which contains a couple of out-of-the-ordinary clauses.It was reported when he made the move to Florida that Messi would receive a share of the revenue brought in from MLS media partner Apple.Crucially, Messi is also believed to be in line to receive ownership stake in the club upon his retirement under the terms of his initial move.However, it is not clear what the exact terms of that arrangement are, or whether the extension he signed in 2025 changes any part of it.For instance, it is not known what percentage Messi is due to receive; whether he would get it automatically, or merely an option to take up a share of the club; whether he must pay for it; or whether ending his contract early by choosing to retire would affect his standing.For now, then, only Messi himself may know what his intentions are - and even those may be subject to change.TOPICSArgentinaInter MiamiWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
