Sergio Aguero believes Lionel Messi will know when the time is right to retire from professional soccer.
Aguero and Messi remain close friends, after over two decades together as teammates with the Argentina national team, alongside a close family bond.
Messi is godfather to Aguero's son Benjamin and the former Manchester City star has been spotted at Inter Miami games, supporting his friend in action.
MORE: All the latest soccer action | Lionel Messi news
Messi's decision to join the MLS giants in July 2023 brought an end to his incredible career in European football with his current contract running until December 2025.
That matches the pattern of the MLS season, but Messi is keen on one final dance with Argentina, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi has won three successive titles with Argentina, via successive Copa America crowns, either side of his first-ever World Cup win in 2022.
His enduring legacy as one of the greatest of all-time means he will be afforded flexibility in his decision and Aguero believes that is only fair.
"I've said many times, Leo will get to decide and his decision will be just fine by me, whatever it is" as per an interview with Stake.com.
"I'd love to see him play forever, but that's sadly impossible. He's earned the right to say how long he'll play for the national team and how long he'll play professionally."
Messi is currently out of action at Inter Miami after suffering an ankle injury in Argentina's Copa America 1-0 final win over Colombia.
Head coach Tata Martino has not confirmed an expected return date for his talisman with Inter Miami in Leagues Cup Round of 16 action against Columbus Crew on August 13.
