The dream of Lionel Messi wearing Barcelona’s jersey one last time seems to be fading. His adventure with Inter Miami appears to be evolving into a new chapter—one that is driven by ambition rather than nostalgia.
Since Messi’s arrival in MLS in July 2023, he has dramatically transformed Inter Miami‘s trajectory. What was once a struggling franchise has morphed into a powerhouse of MLS, gaining global attention. With 42 goals and 21 assists in just 48 matches, Messi has not only secured trophies like the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield but also elevated the expectations of the club.
Despite the elusive MLS Cup being just out of reach, the team is not slowing down. The Argentine superstar is currently leading them through another campaign, having recently played a pivotal role in knocking out LAFC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals. Currently, Miami sits second in the Eastern Conference and is merely three wins away from achieving continental success.
As we reach the midpoint of the 2025 MLS season, the future of Messi’s contract is being revealed, and it deviates from the anticipated return to Barcelona. Instead, The Athletic‘s David Ornstein reports that Messi is set to sign a contract extension with Inter Miami, which would tie him to the club through the opening of Miami Freedom Park—a new 25,000-seat stadium slated to open in 2026.
“Messi and Inter Miami did not reach a new agreement before the start of the 2025 MLS season, but they are now close to finalizing a new deal,” states Ornstein. The existing contract, which was set to end at the close of 2025, is now likely to be extended either until December 2026 or possibly longer, depending on the stadium’s completion timeline.
Mas: ‘The stars are aligning’
Jorge Mas, co-owner of Inter Miami, provided insightful comments recently during an interview with FDP Radio Miami. “The stars are aligning for something great, for a beautiful future for the club and for Lionel. It’s solely his decision,” Mas stated.
“I expect that within 60–90 days, we’ll have to determine all of this. My hope has always been—and everything we’re doing—is to see Messi play at our new stadium in 2026. Hopefully, that happens.”
The implications of such a deal are significant—not just for Inter Miami, but for MLS as a whole. Messi remains the league’s biggest attraction, both on and off the field. His record-setting performances—fastest to 40 goal contributions in MLS history, all-time Inter Miami leader in goal involvements, and a 2024 MVP season with 20 goals and 16 assists—only highlight his enduring worth.
What about the former Barca quartet?
However, Messi is not alone in this MLS revival. The futures of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba are also uncertain, as all four former Barcelona legends are set to become free agents at the end of 2025.
Suarez, with 21 goals in 33 matches, has excelled as a top partner. Busquets continues to dominate the midfield, while Alba’s connection with Messi has resulted in 11 assists in 41 games. As they defy expectations, Miami must now carefully consider their future: should they continue to invest in experience or prepare for a new generation?
