Lionel Messi looking to play in more competitive league ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup: Report

The Argentine is eager to do his best preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Lionel Messi may think about leaving Inter Miami to play in a league with more competition before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Journalist Esteban Edul claims that the Albiceleste skipper may not consent to a contract extension with Inter Miami past 2025. Lionel Messi signed his current contract when he joined the team in 2023, and it ends at the end of this year. Although the aforementioned agreement included a 12-month extension option, it has not yet been exercised.

Edul goes on to say that Lionel Messi is now thinking about playing in a league with stronger competition in the six months leading up to Argentina’s World Cup championship defence in North America. For the time being, negotiations with the Herons have been suspended.

Romano and other journalists claim Lionel Messi will continue playing at Inter Miami

Sources close to Inter Miami have told journalist Fabrizio Romano:

“Leo is under contract until the end of 2025. The reality is that both parties are interested in continuing the relationship. The necessary steps are being taken with the right mindset to make it happen.”

Journalist Guillem Balague had earlier told BBC Sport that the Messi family is happy in America, which is an indication that he could extend his stay by one more year. Balague said:

“Will he commit his future to Inter Miami? After an unhappy two-year stay in Paris, on a personal level, the Messi family are in a good place in Miami. If his family are happy, then so is Messi. His wife Antonella is a face of Tiffany in the US as well as working with other brands such as Adidas. His three sons are all playing in the youth teams and Messi goes to watch every game they play.”

Despite a strong group stage performance against FC Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras, Javier Mascherano’s team suffered a significant setback with the crushing loss to PSG.

Notwithstanding the dismal outcome, Lionel Messi’s leadership and the encouragement of more than 65,000 spectators at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium helped Inter Miami make remarkable strides in the competition.

This Sunday’s match against CF Montreal will mark Javier Mascherano’s team’s return to MLS action following their elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup2025.

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