Sergio Aguero believes Lionel Messi will know when the time is right to retire from professional football.

Even after more than two decades as teammates in the Argentine national team, Aguero and Messi are still close friends and maintain a close family bond.

Messi is the godfather of Aguero’s son Benjamin and the former Manchester City star has been spotted at Inter Miami games cheering on his friend.

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Messi’s decision to join the MLS giants in July 2023 ended his incredible career in European football, with his current contract running until December 2025.

This is the pattern of the MLS season, but Messi is keen on one last dance with Argentina, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Messi has won three consecutive titles with Argentina, each through two consecutive Copa America titles, before and after his first-ever World Cup victory in 2022.

His lasting legacy as one of the greatest of all time means he is granted flexibility in his decision and Aguero believes this is only fair.

“I have said many times that Leo will decide and his decision is completely fine with me, whatever it is,” he said in an interview with Stake.com.

“I would like to see him play forever, but unfortunately that is impossible. He has earned the right to say how long he will play for the national team and how long he will play professionally.”

Messi is currently out of action for Inter Miami after sustaining an ankle injury in the 1-0 Copa America final against Colombia.

Head coach Tata Martino has not yet confirmed an expected date for his star player’s return with Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup round of 16 against Columbus Crew on August 13.