Negotiations over a contract extension between Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have reportedly hit a roadblock, casting serious doubt over the Argentine icon’s future in Major League Soccer beyond the 2025 season. Sources close to the situation suggest there is currently only a 50% chance that Messi will stay with the Florida-based club once his current deal expires in December 2025.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, has been a transformative presence both on and off the pitch. His current contract is valued at nearly $60 million annually, bolstered by landmark commercial partnerships with Apple and Adidas. Of that, his guaranteed salary is estimated at approximately $20.5 million per season making him the highest-paid player in MLS history.
Despite the optimism previously expressed by Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas, no formal agreement has been reached to secure Messi’s services beyond the current term. Mas had publicly indicated confidence in Messi’s desire to remain in Miami long-term, but ongoing negotiations appear to have cooled, creating growing speculation about what comes next.
The uncertainty has already begun to ripple through the club. Fellow stars and close friends of Messi Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets are also approaching decision points in their own careers. Their futures may hinge heavily on Messi’s, raising the stakes for Inter Miami as they look to maintain a cohesive and star-studded roster.
Complicating matters further is the club’s highly anticipated stadium project, set to be completed in 2026. The franchise has marketed the new venue as a symbol of its evolution into a global football brand an image that leans heavily on Messi’s star power. A departure before the stadium’s opening would be a major blow to both the club’s branding strategy and its commercial appeal.
For now, Messi’s next chapter remains unwritten. Whether he stays to help usher in a new era for Inter Miami or chooses a different path potentially in Argentina, Saudi Arabia, or even a return to Europe remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the eyes of the footballing world will be closely watching.
Post a Comment