The question has typically been framed around Messi's own desire. But increasingly, the durability of his 37-year-old body and the demands his national team continues to place on him are complicating the question.

Lionel Messi did not play against Charlotte because Inter Miami had to play down a man after Oscar Ustari's early red card.

Lionel Messi garners more attention than any other player in Major League Soccer, and the 37-year-old's fitness is a consistent talking point.