Lionel Messi Told He’s Already Acting Like Inter Miami’s Owner as Argentine Tipped to Stay in America for the Long-Term

Why the Eight-Time Ballon d’Or Winner Has Found the Perfect Home in MLS

When Lionel Messi packed his bags and left Europe behind in the summer of 2023, plenty of people assumed the move to Major League Soccer would be a gentle winding down of an extraordinary career. Two years on, that theory looks wildly wide of the mark. Not only is Messi still delivering on the pitch, but those around him increasingly believe he is shaping Inter Miami in ways that go far beyond the role of a player.

Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has gone as far as to suggest that Messi is already behaving like an owner of the club — a remark that speaks volumes about the Argentine’s influence in Florida. With a contract that runs until 2028 and a lifestyle that suits both him and his family, the sense is growing that Messi’s American chapter is not a short story, but a long-term project.

The American Dream: Why Messi Chose Miami

Messi’s decision to move to the United States in 2023 came at a moment of transition. His contract at Paris Saint-Germain had expired, his World Cup dream had been fulfilled in Qatar, and for the first time in his career, the future felt genuinely open-ended.

Enter David Beckham.

The former Manchester United and England icon, now co-owner of Inter Miami, played a central role in convincing Messi that South Florida was the right destination. Miami offered something Paris never quite managed to provide: familiarity, comfort, and a sense of control over his own life.

From a football perspective, Messi wasted no time justifying the hype. Within weeks of his arrival, Inter Miami lifted the Leagues Cup, sparking scenes that felt more like Buenos Aires or Barcelona than MLS. Records quickly followed — back-to-back MVP awards, a historic MLS Cup triumph, and a surge in global attention that transformed the league’s profile almost overnight.

Happier Off the Pitch, Sharper On It

Those close to Messi often point out that his form in Miami is tied directly to his happiness away from football. After two difficult seasons in Paris, where he and his family struggled to settle, life in the United States has brought a sense of normality.

Miami’s strong Spanish-speaking culture has allowed Messi and his wife Antonela to feel at ease, while their children have adjusted smoothly to their surroundings. Unlike in Europe, Messi enjoys greater freedom in his private life — something that may sound trivial, but clearly matters deeply to him.

That balance, according to those who know MLS well, has helped keep Messi’s competitive edge intact. This is not a player coasting through games. He remains driven, engaged, and visibly invested in every performance.

‘He’s Already Like an Owner’ – Sagna’s Verdict

Speaking to GOAL in association with Parimatch Online Casino, Bacary Sagna offered a fascinating insight into Messi’s impact at Inter Miami — and why he believes the Argentine’s role extends far beyond the pitch.

“He’s a phenomenon,” Sagna said. “He was born with talent, with gifts. If you combine his game, his passion and his love for football, it allows him to make the impact he is still having at his age.”

But it was Sagna’s next observation that really caught attention.

“I think he is already like an owner of the club,” he added. “His family is very present. It’s like being at home. Miami is a Spanish-speaking city, so he feels at home. He could play for a few more years.”

That sense of belonging is crucial. Messi is not simply turning up, playing, and leaving. He is deeply involved in the direction of the club, from recruitment conversations to the overall vision of how Inter Miami should grow.

A Global Phenomenon Beyond the Pitch

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025

Sagna was also keen to stress that Messi’s influence cannot be measured purely in goals and assists. His presence has reshaped how football is viewed in the United States.

“It’s not only the performance on the pitch,” Sagna explained. “It’s the whole generation that is following them. Having the World Cup in the US will only be good for American football. These are people who can change how the world thinks and plays.”

Messi’s arrival has driven record attendances, unprecedented TV figures, and a spike in youth participation across the country. For MLS, he is not just a star — he is a catalyst.

Next Beckham? Ownership Talk Gathers Pace

Given Beckham’s own journey from player to club owner, it is perhaps inevitable that Messi’s future beyond football is already being discussed. Sagna believes Miami could remain Messi’s base long after he hangs up his boots.

“I think he will stay in Miami,” Sagna said. “It suits him. There are a lot of Spanish speakers, and his English is not great! It’s like being in a safe environment.”

From a business standpoint, the move makes perfect sense. Messi is not just a footballer; he is a global brand. The United States offers unmatched opportunities to expand that brand into entertainment, business, and sport ownership.

“Being in the US, business-wise, is perfect for him,” Sagna continued. “Building this brand for after football is perfect for him and his kids. He has David Beckham next to him, and the power of adidas as well. They are building something together.”

Building Inter Miami’s Identity

While Messi cannot officially involve himself in ownership matters while still playing, his influence is unmistakable. The club’s recruitment strategy reflects his preferences, with familiar faces brought in to ease the transition and raise standards.

Former Barcelona team-mates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez all followed him to Miami, creating a spine of experience that helped accelerate the club’s progress. Argentina team-mate Rodrigo De Paul has also joined the project, further strengthening the connection between Messi and the squad.

Sagna believes Messi’s presence alone will continue to attract elite names.

“He will help to bring more players into the club,” he said. “At the minute he is playing, but he is involved with his performances. That’s already enough to convince others.”

Will More Superstars Follow Messi to MLS?

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025

With high-profile players such as Thomas Müller and Son Heung-min already plying their trade in MLS, speculation continues over who might be next. Names like Neymar and Robert Lewandowski are regularly mentioned.

Sagna sees the appeal.

“It’s an exciting league, especially at the end of your career,” he said. “It’s about having fun and still enjoying football. America puts on a show every game. Fireworks, atmosphere — it’s totally different.”

He also pointed out the lifestyle factor, which often goes unnoticed.

“You can enjoy walking around cities. The approach is totally different. I don’t want to call it a mini-retirement, but you learn how to love football differently by playing there.”

Messi’s Future: Still Playing, Still Leading

For now, Messi remains very much focused on football. His contract extension through 2028 ensures that MLS fans will enjoy his magic for several more seasons. A mid-season break is expected this year as he joins Argentina in their World Cup title defence, underlining that his international ambitions are far from over.

Yet even as he continues to score goals and lift trophies, it is increasingly clear that Messi’s role at Inter Miami is evolving. Player, leader, ambassador — and perhaps, one day, owner.

In Miami, Lionel Messi hasn’t just found a club. He’s found a home.