The clock is ticking on Lionel Messi`s current contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, which is set to conclude at the end of December 2025. As the expiry date approaches, the football world is once again engrossed in speculation regarding the future of one of the sport`s greatest figures. Messi is understood to be evaluating all available pathways for the next phase of his illustrious career.
This decision carries particular weight given the context of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Widely anticipated to be his final appearance on the global stage, maintaining a presence within North America by remaining in MLS could offer logistical advantages and continuity leading into the tournament.
Since his arrival in South Florida during the summer of 2023, Messi`s impact on Inter Miami and the wider MLS landscape has been transformative. His presence sparked immediate success, culminating in the club securing the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023 and later qualifying for the FIFA Club World Cup. His performance statistics have remained impressive, underscoring his enduring quality on the pitch.
The Inter Miami Ambition
Inter Miami have made their intentions abundantly clear: they want Lionel Messi to stay beyond his current deal. Club co-owner Jorge Mas has been vocal about the club`s desire to offer an extension and for Messi to conclude his playing career in Miami. Negotiations for a new contract are reportedly underway. A significant element of Miami`s pitch involves the club`s new state-of-the-art facility, Miami Freedom Park, which is slated for inauguration prior to the 2026 MLS season. Securing Messi`s presence to be the face of their new home ground is a highly strategic objective for the club.
The Persistent Saudi Arabian Link
Should a continuation in Miami not materialize, the Saudi Pro League inevitably surfaces as a significant potential destination. Saudi Arabia`s Public Investment Fund (PIF), a driving force behind the league`s recent influx of high-profile players, reportedly retains a strong interest in acquiring Messi`s services after previous unsuccessful attempts. The prospect of uniting Messi and his long-standing rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, within the same league presents an almost irresistible narrative from a marketing perspective – a late-career, blockbuster double act. The financial terms offered by Saudi clubs would undoubtedly be substantial, presenting a compelling alternative should Messi seek a new challenge and a lucrative final contract outside of MLS.
The Romantic Barcelona Possibility
Any serious discussion about Lionel Messi`s future must, out of habit more than concrete possibility at present, include Barcelona. The sentimental idea of a return to the club where he achieved unprecedented success and was forced to depart in 2021 due to financial constraints holds a persistent allure for fans worldwide. The notion of a `last dance` at Camp Nou remains a romantic ideal. However, there are currently no tangible signals from either Messi`s camp or FC Barcelona itself indicating that this is a realistic or actively pursued option. Barcelona`s current transfer focus appears centered on other targets, suggesting a Messi return is, for now, confined to the realm of hopeful speculation rather than imminent reality.
The Decision Rests With the Maestro
Ultimately, the pivotal decision regarding his next career move rests solely with Lionel Messi. As his contract with Inter Miami approaches its conclusion towards the end of 2025, the global football audience awaits with keen interest to see whether he opts to extend his transformative stay in MLS, embark on a new, high-profile adventure in Saudi Arabia, or perhaps even surprise the world with an unexpected turn. For the time being, all options appear to remain open, fueling continued discussion and anticipation.
Dominic Ashworth