Due to a hamstring injury, Messi had a sluggish start to the 2024 MLS season. However, he has been progressively regaining his form with Inter Miami. The 2022 World Cup winner lit up Chase Stadium with a brace and an assist in his final game against Nashville, sparking a 3-1 victory for the home team. Even though Rossi is nearing the end of his career, the former United and Villarreal player believes he is league leaders.

“Looking at him on the pitch, he could be 80 years old and still be the best player on the field in the MLS,” Rossi stated in an interview with DAZN. He is the greatest of all time, thus everyone loves to see him.”

But Rossi thinks the MLS will face difficulties if Messi hangs off his boots.

“The expectation of Messi coming to the MLS has nothing to do with performance on the pitch – it’s all about the league performance off the pitch,” he said.

“The question at hand was how much Messi could produce in his limited time, and I believe they succeeded. The surge in TV rights and retail sales indicates that everything is unfolding exactly as intended. The issue lies in the fact that after he’s finished and wishes to put up his boots, who will take his place in the MLS? That seems like it will be a problem.

Messi recently revealed his retirement intentions, assuring supporters that he would not hang up his boots due to aging but rather when he would cease “enjoying” the game.

In an interview with the Big Time podcast, Messi stated, “I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer performing, that I am no longer enjoying it or helping my teammates [I will retire].”

“I am quite critical of myself; I am aware of my strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, it won’t matter what age I am when I retire. I’ll keep playing if I’m feeling well.

The 36-year-old said, “I have not yet thought about this, I am still focused on enjoying my football every day,” in response to more questions regarding his post-retirement intentions. My goal is to keep playing for a little while longer. I’ll try to do something I enjoy in a different role after that.

Messi, who has scored nine goals for Inter Miami in as many games this season, will look to add to his rising total when the Herons take on the New England Revolution on Saturday.