Will Messi extend his contract with Inter Miami, putting him in a position to compete with Ronaldo?

(NLĐO) - Following Ronaldo's contract extension, will Messi continue to compete with the Portuguese superstar for a professional career beyond the age of 40?

According to Spanish media, superstar Lionel Messi is very close to signing a contract extension with Inter Miami until 2028, thus following in Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps in extending his peak career beyond the age of 40.

Joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 after leaving PSG, Messi quickly became an icon at the American team both professionally and in terms of image. However, his current contract will expire at the end of the 2025 MLS season.

Despite the option to extend his contract for another year to maintain his form for the 2026 World Cup, the future of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remains a topic of great interest to fans and the media.

Against this backdrop, there has been much speculation that Messi could reunite with Newell's Old Boys – his hometown team in Argentina – or move to Saudi Arabia to join the country's football scene alongside Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.

However, Catalunya Radio (Spain) cited sources saying that Messi "has almost reached an agreement to extend his contract" with Inter Miami, until 2028.

If completed, Messi will turn 41 in the final year of his new contract. This is seen as a major step in his career, affirming his determination to continue playing at a high level, similar to what Ronaldo is doing at Al-Nassr at the age of 40.

Reportedly, Inter Miami has also made efforts to retain the Argentine superstar by building their team around him. The club even planned to recruit Rodrigo De Paul, Messi's close teammate in the Argentine national team, as part of their strategy to keep the number 10.

If the contract extension is signed, Messi will commit to the American team long-term and continue playing at his new home arena, Freedom Park. This venue is expected to become a new symbol of American soccer thanks to the presence of the Argentine superstar.

Furthermore, De Paul also revealed that Messi greatly influenced his decision to join Inter Miami. This also shows that Messi has a strong interest in Inter Miami's future and the possibility of a contract extension is very high.

Messi's decision to remain at Inter Miami is seen as a significant step not only for him personally but also for the development of MLS, in its efforts to attract global attention with the image of world football legends.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/messi-lieu-co-gia-han-voi-inter-miami-so-ke-voi-ronaldo-196250802101433852.htm