As Inter Miami gears up for its FIFA Club World Cup debut later this month, one question continues to dominate the headlines: What lies ahead for Lionel Messi? The Argentine legend, who has been pivotal in keeping his club near the top of the MLS standings, faces a turning point in his career. With his contract nearing its expiration, speculation over a return to Argentina has gained traction—but behind the rumors, a different picture may be emerging.
Messi’s current deal with Inter Miami expires on December 31, 2025, and until recently, the mood surrounding a possible extension was uncertain. Poor results on the pitch and a lack of clarity in contract negotiations had fueled the belief that Messi might leave the United States at the end of the MLS season.
Reports even suggested that talks had been paused, and interest from his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, began to resurface in headlines. The Argentine club’s president, Ignacio Astore, publicly acknowledged Messi’s emotional connection to Rosario and the club where it all began. “He’s expressed affection for the institution,” Astore said recently, adding to the belief that a fairytale return could be on the horizon.
Even the Argentine Football Association president has expressed interest in Messi returning to the domestic league, possibly using Newell’s as a transitional step back home. But while the idea of a homecoming pulls at fans’ hearts, the reality in Miami appears more grounded—and promising.
What does the future hold for Messi?
Now, for the good news. According to TNT Sports Argentina’s Cristian Camiño, negotiations for Messi to stay in Miami beyond 2025 are progressing positively. The player and his family are reportedly settled and happy in the city, a lifestyle factor that is reportedly weighing heavily in Messi’s decision-making process.
“The contract talks are going well. Messi feels comfortable in Miami, and the club is working hard to present a project that makes him want to stay,” said Camiño. “More importantly, Messi believes in the team’s ambition to grow and win titles.”
That ambition, according to reports, includes strengthening the squad and making Inter Miami a serious competitor in every tournament it enters. Talks are expected to continue throughout the summer, with a contract extension announcement potentially planned for late July, once the Club World Cup is wrapped up.
