Deal on the home stretch: Messi stays in Miami

Lionel Messi's stay at Inter Miami will likely continue beyond 2025. IMAGO/Imagn Images

Luis Suarez would like to end his career with Lionel Messi , as he announced at the end of August. "But that also depends on my and his contract extensions," the Uruguayan said at the time. Messi's contract with MLS club Inter Miami ends in December 2025. At the beginning of August, Marca reported that negotiations on a new contract had progressed, and the 38-year-old wanted to stay in Miami.

The club reportedly offered him a contract for at least three years (until 2028), or even longer if the Argentine wants to remain active at age 41. On Thursday, the news agency AFP reported that a decision will be made soon. Messi and Miami have agreed, and the deal should be announced within two weeks.

It'll be a real highlight for Inter if their flagship player stays with the club. Especially since Messi is still delivering his full potential even at an advanced age. He's played 21 games this MLS season, scoring 20 goals, including six braces. He has a total of 62 goals and 30 assists in 75 matches for the MLS club.

The question of whether he will also play for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup remains unanswered by the impending contract extension. "Due to my age, the most likely scenario is that I won't make it. But now we're almost there, and I'm excited and motivated to play there ( the World Cup; editor's note )." However, he hasn't yet made a final decision on whether he'll be available for the Albiceleste in the USA, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.