There’s a magnetic pull whenever Lionel Messi’s name lands in headlines. These days, that draw is pinned to two words: “contract talks.” At 38, with Inter Miami struggling without him, the evergreen legend finds himself at a crossroads—and the world wants receipts.
New Talks, Familiar Hopes
Fresh whispers out of Miami suggest both club and player want him to stay past 2025. Insider Fabrizio Romano says there’s mutual interest to extend the deal—and that “necessary steps are being taken with the right mindset to make it happen” . That echoes ESPN’s confirmation: “They remain in negotiations to extend the contract beyond the end of 2025.”  It’s rarely this coordinated between clubs and star players.
Or Might He Return Home?
Still, the rumor mill keeps spinning. Messi reportedly eyed Newell’s Old Boys or Barcelona as emotional destinations once his MLS contract lapses . That said, Barcelona’s tight finances—and Messi’s own ties with the board—make that move “highly unlikely”. Add in Saudi’s rumored interest, though sources close to Messi say he’s leaning toward staying in North America as the 2026 World Cup nears.
On the Field: Record Breaker, But Fragile
On the pitch, Messi refuses to sit still. He’s already notched 18 goals by mid-2025, remaining Inter Miami’s top scorer. Named Player of the Month twice for stellar form , and through it all, he’s been shepherding the team’s playoff hopes.
But he’s been absent. A minor hamstring issue sidelines him for the upcoming match against Orlando City—Mascherano says it’s “too risky” to play him, even as optimism remains high about his return . Without him, Miami’s “Messi-dependencia” is painfully exposed—recent losses, including a bruising 4–1 setback to Orlando, show just how much the team leans on him.
What It All Means
- Contract extension? The vibe inside the club is optimistic. Talks are in progress, and Messi may yet see out the opening of Miami’s new stadium in 2026 .
- Alternatives? Newell’s remains emotionally logical, Barcelona is financially and politically dicey, and Saudi interest exists—but Messi’s preference seems clear .
- Team performance? Miami needs its maestro. Without Messi, even a star-studded lineup struggles—as recent results remind us.
- Timeline? A decision—if there’s going to be one—needs to come soon. 2026 looms large.
FAQs: What Fans and Analysts Want to Know
Q: Is Messi staying at Inter Miami?
A: Both sides are in active negotiations to extend his contract beyond 2025—and optimism runs high.
Q: What are his options after Miami?
A: Barcelona and Newell’s Old Boys are floated as sentimental choices, though Barca seems financially unlikely. Saudi clubs have interest, but Messi appears inclined to stay in North America.
Q: Is he playing now?
A: Not in the next match—Mascherano says risking him in a tight schedule would be reckless. Recovery is expected soon.
Q: How influential is he to the team?
A: Critical. Messi-dependent results lately show the team’s performance dips without him.
Q: When will we know his future?
A: The 2026 World Cup build-up and Miami’s new stadium timing make a 2025 decision deadline feel imminent.
