Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez backed to launch new MLS franchise together after leaving Inter Miami as former Uruguay star reveals ex-Barcelona striker will 'probably' retire in 2025

The stunning deal that took eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi to the United States in the summer of 2023 includes a clause that will see the Argentine acquire equity in Inter Miami upon his retirement. He may, however, decide to take things a step further by overseeing things at his own team.

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Herons co-owner David Beckham is doing just that in Florida, with the Manchester United and England legend offered an MLS expansion option within the terms that took him to the LA Galaxy in 2007. If Messi were to tread a similar path, then he could bring close friend Suarez along for the ride.

Quizzed on that potential venture by GOAL, ex-Uruguay international Gus Poyet – speaking in association with makthavare.se – said: “That could be something that they work with. They are very good friends. If they open a new franchise in MLS, maybe they stick together and work together. The families are very close as well.”

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Messi has offered no indication that he will be retiring any time soon, but the 2025 MLS campaign is likely to be the last for veteran striker Suarez. Poyet said when asked if his fellow countryman is taking in a long goodbye: “Probably. After Gremio, we didn’t know. Now, he is going to play one more season. It depends on the quantity of games that he plays. It could be [his last season]. It’s where you are, the pace of the game, the family. It’s a big decision. I don’t know where he would like to live when he finishes his career, if if he is going to go back to Uruguay. There are plenty of things that are involved in your final decision.”

Suarez has represented the likes of Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid over the course of his career, but Poyet added when asked if the 38-year-old will look to pass his vast experience on by moving into coaching: “Not really, no. It would be nice. I always want the players that have been at the level that Luis played to become coaches because they know how difficult it is. But, more and more – especially with top players – they go in a different way.”

Club ownership, or a directorial role somewhere, may end up being that “way” for Suarez. For now, he is enjoying one last dance alongside Messi in Miami, with a couple of all-time greats looking to add MLS Cup honours to their record-setting CVs.