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FEATURE
- 4 hours ago
'Stars aligning' as Lionel Messi makes final decision on Barcelona return
Tom Weber
- Updated: 11 Apr 2025 16:03 BST
- 3 min read
News
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has once again reiterated his confidence that Lionel Messi will extend his expiring contract.
The Argentine has been transformative for Inter Miami and Major League Soccer as a whole. Messi's arrival in 2023 elevated football in the United States to a new level of popularity while also turning David Beckham's middling franchise into a real heavyweight.
READ MORE: How many goals has Lionel Messi scored in his career?
Current ETV
Lionel Messi
F, AM (R)
Inter Miami
Lionel Messi
F, AM (R)
Inter Miami
ETV Range
€10.8M - €13.2M
Miami won the Supporters' Shield last season and are aiming to go one better this term and win MLS Cup. They are also gunning for the Concacaf Champions Cup after overcoming league rivals LAFC in the quarter-finals earlier this week.
As for Messi, this could be his final season in the US as his contract is due to expire in December. This has naturally given rise to speculation that the 37-year-old could make a spectacular return to Barcelona.
However, according to co-owner Jorge Mas, the 'stars aligning' for Miami and Messi to go towards a 'bright future' together.
READ MORE: De Bruyne in line for stunning Messi link-up at Inter Miami
Messi set for Miami contract renewal
Speaking on Futbol de Primera, the businessman addressed Messi's contract situation and expressed his belief that the veteran attacker will remain with Miami for the foreseeable future.
"My expectation is that we will see the team's captain and No 10, Lionel Messi, in the new stadium [in 2026]," Mas said. "It's a decision, and we are talking with him about his future at the club.
"All the stars are aligning for really great things, a beautiful future for the club and for Lionel. It's up to him, but I anticipate we will determine this in the next 60 or 90 days because it's important to start planning ahead.
"He will be another member of the club [when he retires], an acting shareholder, and he wants to leave that as a legacy to his children. We have a very nice, respectful relationship with him, and I let him live his life peacefully."
The Athletic's transfer insider David Ornstein has confirmed that Miami are closing in on an agreement with Messi.
