Luka Modric has retired from Real Madrid, and some interesting discussions regarding his next club are circulating on the internet. The Croatian is rumored to join Messi’s team, Inter Miami, in the coming season, and this would be a dream partnership. Two number tens who have ruled Europe’s playmaking for the past 10-15 years in one team? It’s a discussion worth pondering.
Messi & Modric in the MLS: Would it be Too Easy for Them?
David Beckham stunned the footballing world when he got Leo Messi’s signature in 2024 for Inter Miami. If he manages to secure Luka Modric’s signature as well, it will be a cheat code for Inter Miami’s midfield. The Pink shirts will dominate possession, passing, and playmaking in the entire MLS if both Ballon d’Or winners are paired up.
But will it be too easy for the aged legends? Will the number tens get past other players with the same finesse that they used to? In my humble opinion, it’s a definite yes. Although Modric is 39 and Leo is 37, both maestros possess the same technical brilliance. Luka Modric has just returned from Europe, and I believe he easily fulfills the physicality and stamina demands. Leo, who has been playing regularly in MLS since last year, also easily checks all boxes.
The LM 10 Connection: A Ballon d’Or Midfield
For over a decade, Modric has been the ace midfielder of Real Madrid. His charisma, wizardry, and skills have won so many games for Real Madrid. On the contrary, Messi has played a similar role for Barcelona. He has won numerous battles against the Croatian with club and country. Some of those tussles have been legendary, and a real chess match of midfield superiority.
But now both humble GOATS have a chance to share the locker room. Both LM10s can play in similar colors and enjoy each other’s genius. While Leo will remain the official Inter Miami number 10, Modric will be the team’s second playmaker. The chemistry, passing, and IQ of both players sharing the same team will definitely be a treat to watch.
Modric & Messi: Would this Reunion be a Farewell to the Number 10 Era?
Football has been blessed with some impressive number 10s in the past two decades. A number 10’s value is supremely underrated these days, as attackers have become more hot favorites. But the last two decades were ruled by the number 10s. Zinedine Zidane, Diego Forlán, Leo Messi, and Luka Modrić: all these midfielders have won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in all previous editions of the FIFA World Cup.
And now, if both Messi and Modric pair up, it will be like a last dance of the golden number 10 generation. Football is evolving, and I think the brilliant number 10 era will fade as Messi and Modric retire.