From Miami is facing unexpected challenges in their bid to expand Lionel Messi’s contract after 2025and surprisingly, Barcelona Seems to be at the heart of the issue. Messi’s current business with the MLS team goes through the end of the 2025 season, but co-owner Jorge Mas remains optimistic when it comes to keeping the Argentine superstar for the opening of Miami Freedom Park 2026. Travel to secure Messi’s future in Florida may not be easy.
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023 and signed a two and a half year agreement without club options for an extension. The contract places the 2025 MLS season as potentially his final campaign for the hedges. However, inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has been true of his confidence in retaining Messi.
“Messi is under contract until 2025; Leo and I will sit and discuss the future,” Mas stated during a media interaction in November last year. “I completely expect that when opening our new stadium 2026 and the opening of our season 2026 MLS after a trophy -loaded season 2025, Leo Messi will be our No. 10.“
The Miami franchise has good reasons to be hopeful. Messi was in his historic season 2024 and scored points 21 goals and provides 17 assists in just 21 league matches. His leadership helped Inter Miami secure 2024 Supporters shield And set a new league record for points that got a single season.
When the World Cup 2026 will take place in the United States and the inauguration of the latest Miami Freedom Park on the horizon, Herons knocks on Messi’s presence to further increase its status.
Unbreakable Barcelona connection
Despite the club’s ambitions, Spanish media withdrawals Relief Has reported that Messi has a strong desire to return to Barcelona – not necessarily to go with Barcelona again without living in the city he keeps dear. This complicates Inter Miami’s efforts to extend his stay in Florida.
David Beckham, another partner of Inter Miami, recognized Messi’s deep connection to Barcelona during the economic forum in Davos this week. “I would like Messi to live in Miami when he retires, but Leo told me that he just thinks about living near Camp Nou. There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does. You can see Barca Crest on his legs and even on his water bottle,“ Beckham revealed.
The 37-year-old’s love for Barcelona is well documented. After spending most of its career at the club, the city has a special place in its heart. It is no surprise that he would like to return there after retiring from professional football.
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