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Lionel Messi is reportedly weighing a surprise move away from Inter Miami as contract renewal talks have stalled. The Argentine superstar’s current deal with the MLS club runs until December 2025, but recent developments suggest he may be seeking a new challenge before then.
The timing of this potential move is crucial, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup is on the horizon. While earlier reports indicated that Messi was close to signing an extension with the Herons, it now appears that those negotiations have been paused, and the possibility of a departure is not off the table.
According to ESPN Argentina journalist Esteban Edul (via Barca Universal), Messi is contemplating a switch to a more competitive league for the six months leading up to the World Cup. This would allow him to maintain top form and face high-caliber opposition ahead of what could be his final major international tournament.
Edul shared:
“Leo Messi and his family told me on Friday, that he is considering playing somewhere else for the six months leading up to the World Cup. At one point, he had his contract settled to stay on, but now that’s been put on hold.”
With his Inter Miami contract expiring in December 2025, Messi would become a free agent at the start of 2026, making such a move logistically feasible.
🇦🇷 ¿PUEDE EMIGRAR DE INTER MIAMI?
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
— ESPN Argentina (@ESPNArgentina) June 30, 2025
A Return to Europe?
Should Messi decide to join a more competitive league, speculation naturally turns to a potential short-term return to Europe. While a romantic reunion with FC Barcelona would captivate fans, it remains unlikely due to the reportedly strained relationship between Messi and club president Joan Laporta.
Nevertheless, Messi would have no shortage of suitors across Europe. Despite being in his late 30s, the Argentine continues to perform at an elite level and would be a valuable addition to any top-tier side seeking short-term reinforcements.
Messi on Almost Returning to Barcelona
In an April 2025 interview with Mundo Deportivo, Messi reflected on his decision to join Inter Miami in 2023 and his deep desire to return to Barcelona following his World Cup triumph.
“After the World Cup, I couldn’t see myself playing for any other European team other than Barça. My goal was to return. To return to my home, where it all began. But unfortunately, that wasn’t possible,” he said.
Messi left Barcelona in 2021 after 17 legendary seasons, a departure driven by the club’s inability to register his contract due to severe financial issues. Although a 2023 return was close, Barca’s financial situation once again prevented the move.
With his future now uncertain, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi as he weighs his options—potentially setting up one final chapter in his storied career before the 2026 World Cup.
