Inter Miami owner reveals important information about Lionel Messi’s future.

Messi signed a 2.5-year contract with Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. The contract will expire at the end of the 2025 MLS season, in December of this year. Inter Miami has an automatic 12-month extension clause, but the team of David Beckham and Jorge Mas wants Messi to stay longer.

“I expect Lionel Messi to play in Inter Miami’s new stadium in 2026,” Mas told Futbol de Primera . “It’s an important decision. We’re talking to him about his future at the club.”

To trigger the extension clause or sign a new, longer contract, the parties need to reach a mutual agreement. Mr. Mas expressed optimism that the negotiations could be concluded soon, with a final decision expected next month.

“The final decision is mainly up to Leo, but I believe the club will convince him and make a clear announcement next month,” he added. Messi will turn 38 in June. The idea of continuing to stick with Inter Miami to prepare for the 2026 World Cup held in the US was revealed by Messi last year.

Businessman Jorge Mas affirmed that the club’s leadership always “maintains a friendly and respectful relationship with the player”, so that Messi can “enjoy life in the most peaceful way” in the American coastal city.

Messi currently plays alongside former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez in Miami. All three players, like Messi, are out of contract at the end of the 2025 season.

Inter Miami could also add a big name to their squad this summer, with Javier Mascherano’s side targeting midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who will leave the Etihad in June.