Lionel Messi could be planning his departure from Inter Miami following their crushing 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup last 16, according to recent reports.
The 38-year-old Argentine superstar, whose current contract with the MLS side runs until the end of 2025, has reportedly put negotiations for a contract extension on hold. Journalist Esteban Edul claims Messi might not trigger the 12-month extension option included in his deal.
World Cup Ambitions Driving Potential Move
Sources close to the situation suggest Messi is keen to compete at a higher level during the six months leading up to the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina will defend their title in North America. This desire for more competitive football appears to be influencing his decision about his future with Inter Miami.
The recent Club World Cup elimination has seemingly accelerated these considerations. Inter Miami's heavy defeat to PSG highlighted the gap in quality between the MLS side and Europe's elite clubs, potentially reinforcing Messi's concerns about his competitive environment.
Contract Situation
While Messi's current agreement includes an option for extension until 2026, this has not yet been activated. The timing is significant as it would coincide with the World Cup being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico – potentially Messi's last appearance in the tournament.
Following the PSG defeat, Messi's Inter Miami teammate and coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the gulf between the teams, though specific comments from Messi himself about the loss were not detailed in the reports.
This development comes amid ongoing comparisons between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with reports suggesting Ronaldo earns significantly more than the Argentine in his current role.
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