The dream of Lionel Messi donning the Blaugrana jersey one final time appears to be slipping away. Although speculation had surged in recent months about a possible return to Barcelona or even a sentimental final chapter at Newell’s Old Boys, a significant update from South Florida suggests Messi’s journey may be continuing not in Europe, but firmly on American soil. His time with Inter Miami might just be entering a new chapter—one tied not to nostalgia, but to ambition.
Since Messi arrived in MLS in July 2023, he’s redefined Inter Miami‘s trajectory. What was once a fledgling franchise has now become the heartbeat of MLS, a brand with global resonance. With 42 goals and 21 assists in just 48 appearances, Messi has not only lifted trophies like the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield, but also the club’s expectations.
And while the elusive MLS Cup remains just out of reach, the club is in no mood to hit the brakes. The Argentine is currently leading them on another campaign, having recently helped knock out LAFC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals. Now, Miami sits second in the Eastern Conference and is just three wins away from potentially sealing continental glory.
Midway through the 2025 MLS season, the veil has been lifted on Messi’s contractual future, and it’s not the return to Barcelona many had anticipated. Instead, The Athletic‘s David Ornstein reports that Messi is expected to sign a contract extension with Inter Miami, a move that would anchor him to the club well into the era of Miami Freedom Park—a new 25,000-seat stadium opening in 2026.
“Messi and Inter Miami did not come to a new agreement before the start of the 2025 MLS season, but they are now close to inking a new deal,” writes Ornstein. The current contract, originally set to expire at the end of 2025, is now expected to be extended either through December 2026 or possibly beyond, depending on the stadium timeline.
Mas: ‘The stars are aligning’
Inter Miami’s co-owner, Jorge Mas, offered telling insights this week in 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 said.
“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 monumental—not just for Inter Miami, but for MLS at large. Messi remains the league’s top draw, both on and off the field. His record-breaking performances—fastest to 40 goal contributions in MLS history, all-time Inter Miami leader in goal involvements, and a 2024 MVP campaign featuring 20 goals and 16 assists—only underscore his ongoing value.
What about the former Barca quartet?
But Messi isn’t alone in his MLS renaissance. The futures of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba are also in question, as all four former Barcelona icons are set to be out of contract at the end of 2025.
Suarez, with 21 goals in 33 games, has been the perfect partner up top. Busquets continues to anchor the midfield, and Alba’s understanding with Messi has yielded 11 assists in 41 matches. While they’ve defied age and expectations, Miami must now weigh the future carefully: should they double down on experience, or plan for a generational shift?