Messi plans to leave Inter Miami at the end of this year. (Photo: IMCF)

This is considered the final preparation step before the Argentine superstar heads to the 2026 World Cup, a tournament that will likely be the last time he plays for the Albiceleste.

Lionel Messi is currently enjoying a great time at Inter Miami, where he plays alongside close friends Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. Backed by David Beckham, Messi has not only continued to maintain his form but has also helped the MLS side attract a huge fan base.

However, according to El Nacional, Messi’s contract with Inter Miami will expire in December 2025, and he has no intention of extending it despite receiving an offer from the club’s management. Instead, Messi is considering returning to Argentina to play for Newell’s Old Boys for 6 months, before focusing all his efforts on preparing for the 2026 World Cup.

Newell’s Old Boys is not only Messi’s boyhood team but also the place he always wanted to return to to end his career. The Argentine superstar once affirmed: “I always wanted to wear the Newell’s shirt again, feel the atmosphere of Argentine football before hanging up my boots.”

If the deal goes through, fans will have the chance to see Messi play in Argentina for the first time since he joined Barcelona in 2000.

After winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, Messi and his teammates are aiming to defend their title at the 2026 World Cup taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico.

If he can help Albiceleste win the title again, it will be the perfect farewell for Messi to top-level football. Although no official announcement has been made, there are many signs that Messi may retire after this World Cup.