Courtesy: Google
The career of Lionel Messi many a times has been fraught by speculation - but that comes as a complimentary for being such a gifted player. The 2022 FIFA World Cup champion has been in the US for two years with Inter Miami but the media frenzy back has never stopped in guessing how the later years of his professional football career will go. Another such speculation is going on regarding his stint at Inter Miami, post the team’s 0-4 loss against the European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup last 16 in front of more than 60,000 fans in Atlanta.
Within 24 hours of Miami's elimination from the Club World Cup, Messi’s future with his MLS club became a talking point. His contract with the club heads into the final six months and he hasn’t signed a renewal deal yet. In such a many reports are claiming both the possibilities regarding the situation. The New York Times reports that pundits in Argentina hypothesized that Messi would consider leaving MLS for a more competitive league. But in another report by The Athletic, it is still expected from Messi that he will extend his stay in MLS at least through 2026. Another report from Mundo Deportivo also claims that talks are under with Messi and his representatives over a new deal. The same was corroborated by the players’ camp, as both parties are working on an agreement to continue together.
Lionel Messi likely to stay at Inter Miami despite interest from Saudi Arabia
BBC reports that there is widespread belief from officials at the club and within MLS he will renew, while sources on Messi’s side say he is very open to extending his stay despite reported interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia. The report claims that one motivating factor in keeping Messi in the US is to continue drawing attention to the league, with the 2026 World Cup approaching across North America. While not confirmed, the suspicion is Messi will end his international career following Argentina’s title defence.
Along with Messi, Luiz Suarez is also in the final six months of his signing deal with Inter Miami club. The team entered the Club World Cup on the basis of their top-placed finish in the Eastern Conference in 2024 and will resume their league action with a trip to Montreal on Sunday. Lionel Messi is the all-time record goalscorer in Miami’s short history with 50 goals, including his most recent strike for the club - a free-kick in the Club World Cup against Porto.
