Lionel Messi just said the last thing Inter Miami fans wanted to hear

Lionel Messi is Inter Miami's star, but at 38 years old, Herons fans will know that their hero will not be at the club forever.

His long-term teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have already announced that they are retiring at the end of the season. There is still uncertainty over Luis Suárez's future, but Messi has signed a contract with Miami until 2028.

Messi wants to be fit to compete with Argentina at the World Cup next year. However, recent comments from Messi express fitness concerns ahead of the tournament in North America.

The Miami player said, "I’m excited for the World Cup. But I don't want to be a burden, I want to feel good physically, be sure that I can help and contribute things to the group. I will see day to day if I really feel good physically to be like I would like to be able to participate."

His comments reflect someone who might be happy to sit out the World Cup if he is not fully fit. Many believe that he should have retired from international soccer after the 2022 tournament, so that he could go out on a high note.

Will Lionel Messi prioritize playing for Argentina ahead of Inter Miami?

Messi stayed with the national team, and he may have a less ceremonious exit if he misses out on a place at the World Cup. Even if he makes Lionel Scaloni's roster, Argentina will be one of the favorites, but there is no guarantee that they will be victorious again.

The Argentine's comments are also a concern for Miami, as he may be willing to be rested on occasions to ensure he is fit for Argentina. Such is Messi's regard in Miami that what he wants, he often gets.

Messi's friend Javier Mascherano is also the Herons' head coach, so he is likely to be more lenient to his compatriot. This will be more of a concern next season, as Miami has more immediate concerns to worry about.

The soccer legend has been a huge benefit to Miami and MLS as a whole. However, his stint at the club would be seen as a failure on the field if he does not win MLS Cup. This is despite the player so far scoring 76 goals with 38 assists in 85 games for the club.

Miami has a great opportunity to win the competition this season, as they are in the conference semi-finals, where they will face FC Cincinnati.