David Beckham Reveals Lionel Messi’s Retirement Plan — And Where He Will Live After Hanging Up His Boots

Lionel Messi lifted yet another trophy—this time the MLS Cup—leading Inter Miami to the most successful season in the club’s history. The Argentine star captained a team that collected the MLS Cup, the Supporters’ Shield, the Eastern Conference title, and the Leagues Cup, sealing a dream year in the United States. But the biggest headline of the night came after the celebrations, when David Beckham revealed Messi’s long-term plan once he retires from football, hinting at a return to the city where he became a global legend: Barcelona.

Inter Miami’s 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps was intense from the opening whistle. The match featured momentum swings, tactical adjustments and the unmistakable presence of Messi, who dictated the final stretch of the game. A Vancouver own goal from Édier Ocampo at the 8th minute opened the scoring, before the Canadians equalized at the hour mark through Ali Ahmed. With the final heading toward a tense ending, Messi took over.

First, he slipped a perfect assist to Rodrigo de Paul for the 2–1, and in stoppage time he set up Tadeo Allende to close the night at 3–1. It was a final that showcased Messi’s leadership as much as his playmaking brilliance.

The celebration also marked the farewell of two former Barcelona icons: Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who retired from professional football lifting one last trophy next to Messi. For the Argentine, however, the night represented a transition toward the next chapter of his life—one that David Beckham openly clarified.

“Leo told me he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou,” Beckham revealed in the broadcast’s post-match segment. The Inter Miami co-owner described a future where Messi returns to Barcelona to settle permanently once he retires, reaffirming the emotional connection that defined the prime of his career.

Beckham admitted he would love Messi to stay in Miami even after retirement, but acknowledged the player’s bond with Barcelona is unmatched. “No player loves Barcelona like he does. He has the crest tattooed on his leg—his water bottle even has it,” Beckham added with a smile.

The Englishman also reflected on the struggles behind building Inter Miami from scratch. “I had many sleepless nights. But when I found the right partners, I knew it was possible. As our shirts say on the back: freedom to dream.”

For Messi, the roadmap is taking shape: Stay at Inter Miami as long as his body allows him to compete at the highest level. Retire and settle in Barcelona, close to the Camp Nou and to the life he built for more than two decades. Potentially take on a symbolic, commercial, or institutional role with FC Barcelona while maintaining ties with Inter Miami, where he has already transformed the club’s global profile.

And while his career is slowly approaching its twilight, every assist, every trophy and every MLS Cup night continues adding to a legacy that remains unmatched in modern football.