Former MLS star responds when asked if Lionel Messi would retire from football at the end of the season

Former USMNT star Sacha Kljestan has shared his thoughts on whether Lionel Messi would retire from professional football altogether at the end of the season. The 39-year-old hinted at the possibility of hanging up his boots after his father passed away shortly after the FIFA World Cup. Kljestan spoke exclusively to GOAL, touching on various questions about the MLS, which he covers for Apple TV. When asked about the possibility of Messi retiring this year, he revealed that he would be surprised if it happens due to the competitive nature of the former Barcelona star. "I would be very surprised if he retired. I think that he is obsessed with the game, just like many of us are. And I think it would be bizarre to see somebody walk away who is still the best player in the league. The way the World Cup ended, and less than two weeks later he was on the pitch. His father passed sadly, and you know, less than two weeks later, he was back on the pitch again. I think he enjoys the game too much and enjoys the competition. I would be very surprised to see him retire, and I hope he does not," he concluded. Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, having represented Argentina for 21 years. He played at the 2008 summer Olympics for their U-23 team, with Kljestan also representing the USA in the tournament in Beijing, China. Messi signed a three-year deal at the end of 2025, which will keep him on the books ofInter Miami until after the 2028 MLS season. The contract reportedly has clauses that would allow him to leave the club at the end of a season, if he wants to. His father's death may cause him to choose to end his career, having achieved everything he set out to. Lionel Messi continues to make history in the MLS Lionel Messi's move to the MLS in July 2023 has been a major success on an individual and team level. The 39-year-old has led Inter Miami to five pieces of silverware so far, racking up several individual honours along the way, as well. Expand Tweet Messi scored against San Diego FC in his side's most recent game, taking his tally for the season to 20 goals. He became only the second player in MLS history, the other being Denis Bouanga, to score 20+ goals in three consecutive seasons. Lionel Messi leads the way in the Golden Boot race this season, having received the Golden Boot for the first time last term. He will have his sights set on helping Inter Miami to retain the MLS Cup which they won under Javier Mascherano last year. Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen