Less than 24 hours after Inter Miami's elimination from the Club World Cup, Lionel Messi's future in MLS became a hot topic. Critics in Argentina have speculated that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner might consider leaving Major League Soccer for a more competitive league. At least one report claimed contract negotiations between Messi and Inter Miami had stalled.
While Messi's current deal with Miami expires at the end of 2025 and he hasn't signed an extension yet, The Athletic revealed in April that he was still expected to extend at least until 2026. A source close to Messi (who spoke anonymously to maintain relationships) recently reiterated this, stating the Argentine icon remains committed to the project.
Even before the Club World Cup, and after Miami conceded 15 goals in five matches in May, Argentine columnist and broadcaster Ariel Senosiain described Messi's club as "a team entirely unworthy of his unparalleled career." His theory suggests Messi's competitive fire—at times appearing as frustration in 2025—stems from "a lack of elite players around him," affecting his mindset in a less competitive environment. Senosiain wondered if Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was growing concerned about Messi's situation in Miami's locker room, which he described as "ice-cold" compared to the warm family atmosphere of the reigning World Champions.
Other Argentine journalists have floated Newell's Old Boys, Messi's boyhood club, as a sentimental choice. Meanwhile, rumors of a Barcelona reunion ignited online this week, but such a scenario remains highly unlikely.
In Miami, Messi is surrounded by trusted figures: close friends and former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez, plus manager Javier Mascherano, who played alongside him for Barça and Argentina. Co-owners Jorge Mas, José Mas, and David Beckham—key decision-makers he trusts—stand in contrast to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, with whom Messi has no rapport.
On Tuesday, a source in Messi's inner circle told Camel Live the Miami captain "is acutely aware of his goals, motivations, and challenges since coming to Miami." The source, familiar with Messi's perspective on his MLS tenure, added that the forward understands Miami “is a young club and a brand-new project where he wants to contribute and help build something.”
If Messi harbors frustration over MLS' lack of tangible progress since his arrival, he appears willing to accept the reality—primarily for his family's happiness. He has attended sons Thiago and Ciro's youth games in Miami, smiling proudly alongside wife Antonela, evidence of his Florida roots.
Negotiations for an extension keeping Messi in Miami through the 2026 World Cup and the opening of the new Freedom Park stadium are ongoing. Camel Live understands terms have been agreed, though the timeline for an official signing remains unclear.
