After more than a year with Inter Miami and leaving a strong impression, Lionel Messi is entering the key stage of negotiating a contract extension with the American team.
Both sides are still actively discussing a new contract, as Messi's current deal with Inter Miami expires at the end of 2025 – barring any unforeseen developments.
Play for the title and the World Cup
The desire to continue with Inter Miami comes not only from the team but also from Messi himself.
At 38, Messi is still maintaining his peak form in MLS and aims to win more club titles, while preparing for the 2026 World Cup - a tournament held in the United States, and possibly his last time playing for Argentina.
If he participates, Messi will become the first player in football history to participate in 6 World Cups - surpassing the current record (5) that he shares with many big names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gianluigi Buffon, Lothar Matthäus or Antonio Carbajal.
Contract “open” until 2028 or beyond
According to information from inside Inter Miami, the team's leadership is considering proposing a contract lasting at least 3 years - until 2028 - as a player, while leaving open the possibility of continuing if Messi wants to play until the age of 41.
Inter's stance is clear: "Leo will play as long as he wants – as long as he is passionate and fit."
Therefore, the contract being discussed is not fixed for each year as usual, but is highly flexible, allowing Messi to extend or terminate at any time - depending entirely on his personal decision.
Notably, Lionel Messi is not only a player for Inter Miami but also a shareholder of the club. This investment was signed right from the initial contract in 2023, making Messi's role at the team not just on the field.
Therefore, the upcoming discussions will not only revolve around the number of years he has played but also his position in the long-term development structure of the club - something that could force Inter to "compete" directly with Barcelona, the former team that is also said to want to bring him back as an ambassador.
Unfinished titles
Since joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Messi has quickly led the team to the Leagues Cup championship - the first title in the club's history. However, there are still big challenges waiting: the MLS championship (a tournament that Messi has never won), the Concacaf Champions Cup title - the championship of the top clubs in North, Central America & Caribbean, and especially the 2026 World Cup in the Albiceleste shirt.
All of these goals reinforce the reason for Messi to continue his journey in the United States – not only for his career, but also to create a lasting legacy for football in this country.
Inter Miami and Messi are still in negotiations. But one thing is certain: Leo's future in Florida depends solely on what he wants.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/mot-hop-dong-dai-han-cho-messi-158355.html
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