Thomas Muller to team up with Lionel Messi? Bayern Munich legend addresses Inter Miami rumours and hints at retiring as MLS move stalls

Speculation over Muller's future has rumbled during Bayern's Club World Cup campaign. With the tournament taking place in the US, rumours of a move to the MLS for the 35-year-old have developed over the past few weeks. Muller cooled off suggestions he has an offer in place however, and directly downplayed the possibility of hooking up with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.

The Bundesliga's most decorated player, available on a free transfer this summer, even suggested retirement could be an option, even though he wants to keep playing. He said clubs from more more "exotic" countries have a better chance of acquiring his services, as he looks for an overall project at this late stage of his career.

Muller told DAZN: "Basically, I wouldn't object to playing with Messi , but I don't have any direct contact with Miami right now. Given my current physical condition, I'd like to continue playing because this game of football is simply fun, but maybe I'll actually retire. Anything is still possible, and I'm not stressing about it."

When asked about moving to another club, Muller said: "The overall package has to be right. More distant or exotic countries have an advantage over the domestic league."

Muller's immediate attention will be focussed on extending his Bayern career, as the Bavarian giants take on Flamengo in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup. Speculation over his future will intensify once his time in the tournament is up. LAFC have also been linked with the 35-year-old, while Cincinnati hold his "discovery rights", allowing them the first opportunity to negotiate with the player should he decide to join the MLS.