This information was shared by journalist Esteban Edul on ESPN Argentina on 30/6.
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Lionel Messi waves to fans during warm-ups before Inter Miami's match against Palmeiras in Miami Gardens, USA on 23/6/2025. Photo: AP |
Messi's contract with Inter Miami runs until 31/12/2025, making him a free agent during the winter transfer window. Sources indicate that contract renewal talks with Inter Miami are currently on hold, leaving the door open for a potential departure. If he leaves, the Argentinian superstar would have almost 6 months to play for a new club before the 2026 World Cup.
Inter Miami quickly denied these rumors. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano quoted a club source as saying, "Messi has a contract until the end of 2025, and both sides want to continue. The necessary steps are being taken with the right mindset to make that happen".
Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023 on a two-and-a-half-year contract, extending through the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. The Argentinian star has scored 50 goals and provided 23 assists in 63 matches, helping the club win the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, and set a record points streak (74). He also won the Landon Donovan MVP award for the best MLS player last season.
At the FIFA Club World Cup, Messi helped Inter Miami achieve their goal of advancing past the group stage. The team's journey ended in the round of 16 with a 0-4 loss to reigning Champions League winners PSG.
In June 2023, Messi announced he would not participate in the 2026 World Cup. However, in subsequent interviews, the Inter Miami forward stated that he had not made a final decision due to physical condition and age. He emphasized having already won the most important title of his career at the 2022 World Cup and no longer being concerned about competing for the Ballon d'Or.
Messi will be 39 when the 2026 World Cup takes place in the US, Mexico, and Canada. If he participates, the Argentinian captain could break his own record for most World Cup appearances (26). He could also add to his 13 World Cup goals, potentially surpassing Miroslav Klose's record of 16.
Compiled by Hong Duy
