Lionel Messi looks set to remain with Inter Miami, as co-owner Jorge Mas confirmed on Wednesday that the club is in discussions about the Argentine star’s future. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi joined the MLS club in 2023 following stints at PSG and a storied career at FC Barcelona, where he won every major trophy. The 2022 World Cup winner has made a huge impact in Major League Soccer, netting 40 goals in 47 appearances and helping Inter Miami win the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Messi’s current deal runs out at the end of this season, but with Inter Miami planning to unveil a new stadium in 2026, the club anticipates he’ll still be part of the squad.
“My hope is that our captain and No. 10, Lionel Messi, will be leading the team into the new stadium,” co-owner Jorge Mas told renowned commentator Andres Cantor on Tuesday, just before the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal against Los Angeles FC. “We’re in discussions with him about his future at the club.”
Everything seems to be falling into place for a bright future—for both the club and for Lionel,” Mas said. “Ultimately, the decision is his, but I expect we’ll have clarity within the next 60 to 90 days, as it’s important to begin planning.
“Once his playing days are over, he’ll remain part of the club as a shareholder. That’s something he wants to pass down as a legacy for his children. We have a strong, respectful relationship, and I give him the space to enjoy his journey in peace.”
Although Messi’s future has rarely felt uncertain, there’s always been speculation that he might eventually return to his childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina—a team he’s never played for at the professional level. While the future remains unpredictable, a contract extension with Inter Miami would likely make that possibility less realistic. Messi turns 38 in June, and staying in the U.S. through 2026 seems logical, especially with the country set to co-host the World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
With the opportunity to defend Argentina’s World Cup title, remaining in the United States offers several advantages for the Rosario-born star. The Argentine national team already uses Miami as its base during tournaments held in the U.S., and in 2023, the Argentina Football Association established an office in Miami’s Wynwood district.
