Major League Soccer (MLS) officials are considering a drastic change to their schedule for the coming seasons, which could influence Lionel Messi’s decision on when to end his illustrious career.
Earlier this year, Messi revealed that he has no immediate plans to retire, although he did say that his current club, Inter Miami, will be the last team he plays for as a professional. After 17 years with Barcelona’s first team and two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi joined Miami in 2023.
The Argentine star’s contract runs for two and a half years, taking him through the end of 2025, with the option to extend it for another year, possibly prolonging his career until the end of 2026. According to information from The Athletic , MLS could adopt a European-style calendar, starting the season in the fall and ending in the spring.
If the proposal is approved, the changes could take effect after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. This would leave Messi with just a few months remaining on his contract at a time when interest in soccer in the United States could be at its highest. With increased attention on the sport in that country, there could be pressure from Inter Miami officials to persuade their star to play the entire fall-to-spring season, rather than just half of it.
At 37, Messi is still dominating as a striker, with 21 goals and 12 assists in just 25 games. Only his friend Luis Suarez can compete with his attacking prowess, although the Uruguayan has played more minutes.
Messi’s impact isn’t just felt on the field, though. His presence also drives merchandise sales and TV ratings. Getting Messi to play an additional six months beyond his current contract could be a big deal for Miami.
Any change to the MLS schedule would align the American league with European soccer’s transfer windows and move the MLS playoffs, currently in October — when they compete for viewership with the MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL and college sports playoffs — to April or May, when the MLB and NBA seasons end.
MLS Vice President of Sports Products Nelson Rodriguez revealed that the league is evaluating fan opinion through surveys, as well as consulting with club executives, to decide whether to implement these changes.
According to The Athletic , this change would see the season begin in August, as in Europe, with a winter break in mid-December. The competition would resume after a five-week break in February, culminating with the MLS Cup at the end of May.
