Lionel Messi retirement could be delayed by major MLS schedule change.

MLS chiefs are considering a drastic change to their schedule in the coming years, which could impact when Lionel Messi decides to call time on his illustrious career

Major League Soccer (MLS) bosses are planning a significant shake-up of their schedule in the coming seasons, which could impact when Lionel Messi decides to hang up his boots.

Earlier this year, Messi revealed that he has no immediate plans to retire but that his current club Inter Miami will be his last professional team. After a 17-year stint with Barcelona’s first team and two years at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi joined Miami in 2023.

The forward’s contract spans two and a half years, taking him to the end of 2025 with an option for one further year, possibly extending his career until the end of 2026. According to The Athletic, MLS may adopt a European-style schedule, starting the season in the fall and ending in the spring.

If approved, these changes could take effect after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada. This would leave Messi with only a few months left on his contract at a time when interest in soccer in the US could be at an all-time high. With increased attention on the sport in America, there might be pressure from Miami’s top brass to persuade their star forward to play the entire fall-to-spring season, rather than just half of it.

At the ripe age of 37, Messi continues to dominate as a forward, boasting an impressive 21 goals and 12 assists from just 25 appearances. Only Luis Suarez can rival his attacking prowess, but the Uruguayan has had more game time.

However, the Messi effect isn’t just felt on the pitch, it also boosts merchandise sales and viewership figures. Bagging Messi for an extra six months beyond his current contract could be a slam dunk for Miami.

Any alterations to the MLS schedule would align the US league with European football’s transfer windows, and shift the MLS playoffs from October – when it battles for viewership against MLB playoffs, NFL, NBA, NHL, and college sports – to April or May, when the MLB and NBA seasons climax.

Nelson Rodriguez, MLS vice president of sporting product, revealed that the league is gauging fan opinion via polls, alongside consulting club executives, to decide whether to enforce these changes.

The Athletic reported that such a change would see the season kick off in August, like in Europe, before pausing for winter in mid-December. It would then resume after a five-week break in February, culminating with the MLS Cup at the end of May.