Lionel Messi: Contract Talks, Inter Miami Future & 2026 World Cup Plans

Lionel Messi, has a name that rarely drifts from headlines, and 2025 is no different. Having spent nearly two years with Inter Miami, Messi’s contract is now front and center. With his deal set to expire at the end of 2025, fans and pundits are asking the same question: will Messi stay in MLS or make a move elsewhere before the 2026 World Cup?

Contract Situation with Inter Miami

Messi is expected to extend his stay through 2026. While he hasn’t signed an extension yet, sources close to the player suggest the delay is tactical. Messi is likely leveraging his position to gain more influence at the club, not planning an exit.

Jorge Mas, Inter Miami’s co-owner, told FDP Radio back in April, “My hope has always been to see Messi play at our new stadium in 2026.” Talks are still happening, and both sides seem on board, all that’s left is Messi’s signature.

Why Inter Miami Still Makes Sense

Despite Miami’s struggles in 2025—including conceding 15 goals in five matches during May—Messi appears committed to the project. Some critics in Argentina, like Ariel Senosiain, question the quality of the team around him. He even suggested that the lack of intensity has affected Messi’s mentality. Still, the bigger picture shows a different story.

Messi isn’t alone in Miami. He’s joined by close friends and former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez. Head coach Javier Mascherano is another familiar face. This trusted circle makes Miami more than just a career move—it’s a lifestyle choice.

Could Messi Return to Argentina?

Some speculate a return to Newell’s Old Boys, his boyhood club. But Newell’s isn’t exactly a step up competitively. The team finished ninth in the Apertura and 25th in the 2024 Primera División standings.

The team placed ninth in the Apertura and ended up 25th overall in the 2024 Primera División. Argentina’s top league has slipped in quality over the last decade, while Brazilian clubs now rule the continent.

As much as the emotional pull is real, it’s tough to argue for leaving the stability of South Florida to join a mid-table side with slim hopes of winning anything.

What About Barcelona?

Barcelona always comes up when people talk about Messi’s future — but that ship has likely sailed. Messi has said he doesn’t have much of a relationship with club president Joan Laporta. In a 2023 chat with Mundo Deportivo, he mentioned they’ve barely spoken since he left.

In contrast, Lionel Messi has trust in Miami’s leadership. Beckham and the Mas brothers have given him a sense of security and agency—something he didn’t feel in his final years at Barça.

The Bigger Picture: Family and Lifestyle

There’s more to this decision than football. Messi is frequently seen at his sons’ academy games, smiling with wife Antonella and interacting with fans around town. He’s found peace after decades in the global spotlight.

Life in Miami offers the balance Messi likely values most now. The comforts of home, a familiar environment, and a new stadium on the horizon all make a strong case for staying.

Club World Cup Highlights & Frustrations

Miami’s Club World Cup campaign had its ups and downs. After a flat 0-0 opener against Al Ahly, Messi scored a stunning free-kick in a shock win over Porto. Miami nearly beat Palmeiras too, blowing a 2-0 lead but holding on for a draw. PSG gave them a tough reality check in the knockouts, but just getting that far was viewed as a step forward.

Messi showed clear frustration during the match, from rough tackles to questionable calls, but after the game, he kept things measured: “They are the champions of the last edition of the Champions League.”

National Team Future and the 2026 World Cup

Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s manager, has said Messi will remain part of the national team as long as he chooses. So far, he’s scored six goals in the 2026 CONMEBOL qualifiers, second only to Colombia’s Luis Díaz.

His spot in the team isn’t in danger—even if he stays in MLS. The focus now is ensuring he maintains top fitness ahead of what could be his final World Cup.

What’s Next?

All signs suggest Messi will stay with Inter Miami through 2026. The hold-up on a new deal likely comes down to negotiations. His family’s settled, his close friends are nearby, and the new stadium is in the works, there’s little reason to leave.

Newell’s might have named a stand after him. Barcelona may always dream of a reunion. But right now, Messi’s focus is on shaping something lasting in Miami.