As the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season nears hots up, the future of Lionel Messi remains a hot topic. With his current contract with Inter Miami set to expire in December 2025, speculation about his next move has intensified. Will he stay with the MLS club, return to his beloved Barcelona, join a Saudi Pro League side, or perhaps retire? Here’s the latest on Messi’s contract situation, based on recent reports and developments.
Inter Miami’s Confidence in Securing an Extension
Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, are reportedly "extremely confident" about tying Messi to a new contract. The club, where Messi has been a transformative figure since joining in July 2023, is keen to extend his stay beyond the 2025 season. Negotiations have been ongoing for months, with both parties expressing mutual interest in continuing their partnership. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has publicly stated his desire for Messi to remain with the club, emphasizing that the team has done everything possible to make the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner feel at home. Mas has also expressed his dream of seeing Messi, the club’s No. 10, inaugurate the new Miami Freedom Park stadium in March 2026.
Sources close to the club, as reported David Ornstein, indicate that Inter Miami are optimistic about finalising a one-year contract extension soon. The club’s confidence stems from Messi’s apparent satisfaction with life in Miami, where he has not only excelled on the pitch but also integrated into the community, frequently attending his sons’ youth games. Messi himself has previously stated that Inter Miami would likely be the last club of his illustrious career, further fuelling optimism that he will stay.
Messi’s impact on Inter Miami has been undeniable. Since joining, he has scored 52 goals and provided 25 assists in just 64 games, per Daily Mail. His contributions have helped elevate the club’s profile, with achievements like winning the 2024 MLS MVP award and leading Inter Miami to the Supporters’ Shield and a historic victory over Porto in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Despite a recent 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup’s round of 16, Messi’s individual brilliance—evidenced by two goals and an assist in a 4-1 MLS win against Montreal—continues to underscore his value to the team.
🚨 Inter Miami extremely confident Lionel Messi will renew contract + lead club to Freedom Park stadium in 2026. Argentina legend targeted by Al Hilal - SPL’s pursuit of 38yo long standing - but #IMCF hope to announce fresh deal any time now @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/t411drjtT7
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 8, 2025
Saudi Pro League’s Persistent Pursuit
While Inter Miami remains the frontrunner, Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli has emerged as a significant contender for Messi’s signature. According to reports from L’Equipe, Al-Ahli, one of four clubs owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, has initiated talks with Messi’s camp. The club, which boasts former Premier League stars like Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, and Ivan Toney, is reportedly willing to “do whatever it takes” to lure the Argentine to the Middle East. A move to Al-Ahli could set up a blockbuster reunion with Messi’s long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently extended his contract with Al-Nassr.
This isn’t the first time Saudi clubs have targeted Messi. In 2023, Al-Hilal made a strong push to sign him after his Paris Saint-Germain contract expired, but Messi opted for Inter Miami. Al-Ahli’s interest comes as they aim to close the gap on rivals Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, who finished above them in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season. Messi’s role as an ambassador for the Saudi Tourism Board could also play a factor in their pursuit.
Europe Return?
Despite Inter Miami’s optimism, rumors of a sensational return to Europe have persisted. Argentine journalist Esteban Edul reported to ESPN Argentina that Messi and his family were considering playing elsewhere for the six months leading up to the 2026 World Cup, potentially putting contract talks with Inter Miami on hold.
🇦🇷 ¿PUEDE EMIGRAR DE INTER MIAMI?
— ESPN Argentina (@ESPNArgentina) June 30, 2025
Atención con esta info: ¿#Messi estaría evaluando competir en otra liga en la previa al Mundial 2026?
📺 ¡No te pierdas #ESPNF12 en vivo por #DisneyPlus! pic.twitter.com/vrKmaDegn5
What’s Next for Messi?
At 38, Messi continues to perform at an elite level, but his decision will likely hinge on several factors: his physical condition, his desire to compete at the highest level ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and his family’s comfort in Miami. Inter Miami’s ambition to build a lasting legacy with Messi, coupled with the upcoming opening of their new stadium, makes staying in the MLS an attractive option. However, the allure of a lucrative Saudi deal or an emotional return to Europe cannot be entirely dismissed.
