Lionel Messi backed to play on until 45 years old as Inter Miami teammate Federico Redondo explains what makes eight-time Ballon d'Or winner the 'best in history'

Redondo, who joined Inter Miami shortly after the start of the 2024 MLS season, has explained what sets Messi apart from everyone else while backing the Argentina legend to continue playing until the age of 45. The 21-year-old initially suffered a knee injury and remained sidelined for two months last term, but came back to appear in 16 league matches and played a key role in the club winning the MLS Supporters' Shield alongside Messi, who scooped the MLS MVP award for 2024.

Speaking to La Nacion, Redondo gave his verdict on Messi's future, saying: "I’m not going to speak for him… but watching him train every day, I think he could play until he’s 45."

When asked about the Argentina captain's hunger for success, the youngster added: "That’s the great quality that makes him the best player in history. There are thousands of talented players, although none as talented as him, in my opinion. But beyond his talent, he is a player who has won absolutely everything - and more than once. You see him in training, and he plays his heart out; he wants to win everything. Every game of the season, he wants to win it. And if he doesn’t win, he suffers. That, I believe, is key: he’s won everything because he suffers so much from losing."

Inter Miami have begun their pre-season preparations for the upcoming 2025 MLS season and stars like Messi and Luis Suarez were in attendance on the first day of training as the squad assembled under new manager Javier Mascherano. Miami are scheduled to play five pre-season friendly matches in North, Central and South America.

Messi has shown no sign of slowing down yet. Last year, at Marca's America Award night, the 37-year-old claimed that he had not planned for his retirement yet and could very well lead his nation at yet another World Cup when the 2026 finals are staged in North America.