Inter Miami may have crashed out of the FIFA Club World Cup after a heavy 4-0 loss to PSG, but the biggest question hanging over the club right now isn’t about the scoreline but their Talisman – Lionel Messi’s future.
Behind the scenes, quiet but active negotiations continue between Messi and Inter Miami to extend his contract beyond the 2025 MLS season.
The Argentine legend signed with the club in July 2023 on a two-and-a-half-year deal, and while the clock ticks toward its end, both sides seem intent on finding a way forward with discussions remaining positive, although nothing is finalized yet, according to ESPN.
Club co-owner Jorge Mas isn’t hiding his hopes.
In an interview with ESPN, he said he dreams of Messi opening the doors to Miami Freedom Park, the new stadium set to launch in March 2026.
“ We wish for Messi to finish his career here,” Mas said.
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“He is a competitive animal, he wants to win. I hope we can raise many trophies together here at Inter Miami in the coming years..”
The 38-year-old has had a stellar run at Miami. Since joining the club, Messi has scored 31 goals and assisted 22 in just 38 league games.
He brought Miami its first-ever silverware with the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield, helping them qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup, where they reached the knockout stage.
However, timing could prove crucial with Inter Miami currently sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference and face a brutal run of nine matches in July, beginning with CF Montreal on Saturday.
The next few weeks which are filled with league and Leagues Cup fixtures could influence Messi’s thinking.
