Lionel Messi has 'earned the right' to decide when & where he’ll retire as Sergio Aguero reacts to MLS exit rumours at Inter Miami

After two years in the United States, questions are being asked of how much longer Messi will continue to chase the American dream. As things stand, he is due to become a free agent at the end of the calendar year.

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There is a 12-month extension option in his contract at Inter Miami, but that clause is yet to be triggered. Messi may be merely mulling over his options, with another World Cup to come in 2026, but links to teams in the Saudi Pro League and across the globe are never far away.

Aguero, who played alongside Messi for the Argentina national team, sees the all-time great under no pressure to make a decision on his future. The former Manchester City and Barcelona striker told Stake.com: “I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Leo has earned the right to decide where he wants to play and for how long. As long as he plays, it'll be a pleasure to keep watching him.”

The addition of another familiar face alongside him at Inter Miami may help to convince Messi to stay put, with Aguero adding on Rodrigo De Paul’s arrival at Chase Stadium: “It'd have a big impact. He's a player with a lot of personality and a very positive disposition for the team. [De Paul] knows Leo to a T. I'm sure he'll contribute a very positive impact to the team and the MLS.”

Messi sat out Inter Miami’s latest fixture through suspension, having ruled himself out of the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, but he will be back in action on Wednesday when the Herons open their Leagues Cup campaign against Mexican side Atlas.