Lionel Messi could also be on the verge of extending his American soccer journey. The 37-year-old famous person joined Inter Miami in July 2023 and instantly remodeled the membership’s fortunes each on and off the sector.
His present deal, nonetheless, is about to run out on the finish of this yr, prompting a wave of hypothesis over his future. However Inter Miami has been working diligently to safe an extension that may align with the membership’s transfer to their new dwelling, Miami Freedom Park, in time for the 2026 season.
In accordance with The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Inter Miami and the legendary Argentine ahead are near finalizing a contract extension that may maintain Messi in Major League Soccer past 2024.
“My hope has at all times been – and the whole lot we’re doing – is to see Messi play at our new stadium in 2026. Hopefully, that occurs,” Inter Miami managing proprietor Jorge Mas mentioned throughout an interview with FDP Radio Miami.
That hope is shared by MLS, its industrial companions, and a world viewers of followers. The prospect of Messi, broadly thought of one of many best gamers within the historical past of the game, remaining in the USA affords huge worth to everybody concerned.
From Apple’s streaming deal to Adidas’ long-standing MLS sponsorship, the ripple results of Messi‘s continued presence within the league are important.
2026 World Cup participation
From a broader perspective, Messi’s potential contract extension may additionally affect his worldwide profession.
FIFA and the Argentina nationwide crew would profit immensely from his participation within the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Miami is among the many host cities, and the opportunity of Messi enjoying a World Cup match on the very pitch of his dwelling stadium is a dream situation for organizers and followers alike.
Though optimism is constructing, negotiations are nonetheless ongoing. Messi’s authentic cope with MLS was extremely advanced, involving distinctive revenue-sharing mechanisms and sponsorship incentives tied to league-wide agreements.
Extending such a deal would require cautious consideration to monetary and structural particulars, particularly because the league appears to protect its wage cap guidelines whereas additionally sustaining its relationship with different golf equipment.
