- 26 June
- 16K+ views
Lionel Messi: Inter Miami star’s future revealed in OFFICIAL MLS statement
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 30 Jun 2025 06:48 CDT
- 2 min read
News
Lionel Messi’s future at Inter Miami has been clarified in an official statement from Major League Soccer following the club’s heavy loss to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Messi’s former team proved far too strong for David Beckham’s MLS franchise. Inter Miami trailed 4-0 by halftime against the reigning European champions, who then eased off in the second half.
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Lionel Messi
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The Barcelona legend was Inter Miami’s top performer and nearly gave his team a consolation goal late in the game with a powerful header that was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Now 38, Messi has been a key figure for the Herons since joining in mid-2023. He’s already the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Among his goals was a brilliant free kick against Porto in the Club World Cup, showing he still has what it takes to perform at the highest level.
However, there’s still some uncertainty about what comes next for the World Cup-winning forward. With his contract expiring at the end of the year, Messi’s future is still up in the air.
What’s Next for Lionel Messi?
MLS communications director Mahonri Mendoza addressed Messi’s situation in an interview with Saudi news outlet Al-Riyadiyah.
“Messi’s contract extends through the end of this year, specifically until the conclusion of the MLS season. He will continue as normal, and then his future will be determined—whether he stays on will be up to Inter Miami’s management and the player himself,” said Mendoza.
He also referenced comments from Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, who recently expressed optimism about Messi staying beyond 2025. Mas added that Messi is expected to be present for the opening of Miami Freedom Park, the club’s new stadium, scheduled for March 2026.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s long-time rival, recently extended his contract with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. However, this decision is unlikely to influence Messi, as the two legends are now on very different paths in their careers.
There have also been ongoing rumors about Messi eventually returning to his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, where he began his journey before becoming a global superstar with Barcelona.
