Luka Modric has played his final match at the Santiago Bernabeu. But the Croatian maestro may team up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami for one final dance on the world stage.
The curtains have fallen on one of the most celebrated eras in modern soccer. Luka Modric, the heartbeat of Real Madrid’s midfield for over a decade, has played his final match at the Santiago Bernabeu. As the sun sets on his glittering career in Spain, the Croatian maestro may soon rise again—this time under the palm trees of Miami, possibly teaming up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami for one final dance on the world stage.
Los Blancos ended a turbulent 2024-25 La Liga season on a high with a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu. But the scoreline was secondary. The match was about goodbyes—Carlo Ancelotti, Lucas Vazquez, and above all, Luka Modric.
Ancelotti, managing his final game before assuming the role of Brazil’s head coach, handed starts to both Modric and Vazquez in what was a symbolic nod to their contributions. Kylian Mbappe, chasing the European Golden Boot, scored both goals, but even his brilliance was outshone by the emotional moments that unfolded late in the game.
Modric was substituted in the 85th minute, and what followed was pure theater: the referee paused the game, players from both teams formed a guard of honor, and every fan in the stadium rose to applaud. Modric, eyes filled with tears, walked off the pitch for the last time as a Madrid player, greeted by hugs from teammates and legends like Toni Kroos.
The Miami dream
Though Modric is leaving Real Madrid at 39, retirement is not yet on the cards. Instead, he appears poised to join Inter Miami, a club rapidly becoming soccer’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
According to Mundo Deportivo, David Beckham’s franchise has been pursuing the Croatian ace since mid-2024, and the push intensified after Messi himself reportedly requested the club sign him. “Messi has asked for Modric’s arrival,” the outlet claimed. The plan is to bring the Ballon d’Or winner to Florida to strengthen a star-studded squad already featuring Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez.
The offer on the table is substantial. Spanish media report a $2.5 to $3.5 million annual contract through December 2026, providing Modric with competitive soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Reuniting rivals, reigniting magic?
The potential move to Inter Miami represents more than just a career extension—it’s a symbolic reunion of soccer’s golden generation. Modric and Messi, who once clashed in countless El Clasicos, may now be teammates, united under the guidance of Javier Mascherano, another veteran of that era.
If the deal is finalized, Modric could join Messi at the 2025 Club World Cup, representing Inter Miami. With FIFA’s updated player eligibility rules, this dream scenario is increasingly likely.
