Lionel Messi set to sign fresh Inter Miami deal

Lionel Messi is reportedly close to committing his future to Inter Miami CF, turning down romantic returns to both Barcelona and Newell’s Old Boys. Sources close to the Florida franchise say final details are being ironed out on an improved contract that would keep him in Major League Soccer through the 2026 season, aligning with the league’s expanding ambitions and the club’s stadium plans.

Lionel Messi and the MLS Vision

When Lionel Messi shocked the football world by trading Paris for Miami last summer, his move was framed as the biggest coup in MLS history. The Argentine icon instantly lifted the league’s global profile, drew capacity crowds from Los Angeles to New York, and transformed Apple TV’s subscription numbers. Inter Miami’s hierarchy, spearheaded by co-owner David Beckham, now view extending Messi’s stay as crucial to cementing MLS as a genuine destination rather than a retirement haven.

Why a Barcelona Reunion Remains Unlikely

The idea of Messi in Barcelona’s famous blaugrana once more tugs at the heartstrings of Culés everywhere, yet the practicalities remain forbidding. Barça’s wage bill still bumps uncomfortably against La Liga’s strict financial controls, and any Messi arrival would require painful departures. Club executives also fear that a short-term nostalgia boost could derail Xavi’s longer-term squad evolution. As one board member told Catalan radio, “We cannot mortgage the future again, even for Leo.”

The Economic Equation

Inter Miami’s package is far simpler: a Designated Player salary, lucrative revenue-share bonuses tied to streaming metrics, and commercial ventures with Adidas and Apple that each expand as the star continues. According to Sportico, Messi’s 2023 arrival generated an estimated $265 million in added franchise value; ownership believes a multi-year extension will double that figure.

Emotional Pull of Newell’s Old Boys

Newell’s fans serenaded Messi during Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa, dreaming of a fairytale return to Rosario. Yet those close to the player insist the conditions for such a move—both security-wise and financially—do not exist right now. For Messi, raising his family in the relative calm of south-east Florida, far from Argentina’s political turmoil, remains the more appealing scenario.

Inter Miami’s 2025 Project

Inter Miami are building toward the opening of Miami Freedom Park, a privately financed stadium complex scheduled for 2025. Club executives want Messi’s signature emblazoned across that ribbon-cutting ceremony. The franchise has already complemented him with former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez; a new deal is expected to include assurances about additional elite signings to keep the competitive window wide open.

Beckham’s Blueprint

David Beckham understands superstar management better than most after his own high-profile MLS stint. He and managing owner Jorge Mas have offered Messi a post-playing pathway, including an equity stake that could mirror Beckham’s original LA Galaxy arrangement—a proposal Barcelona cannot match under Spanish league governance.

Lifestyle and Commercial Factors

Beyond the pitch, the Miami lifestyle continues to resonate with Messi and his wife Antonela. Their children attend bilingual schools, the family enjoys anonymity on Florida’s private beaches, and the city’s vibrant Latin culture offers a slice of home. Commercially, the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup; being MLS’s marquee face through that cycle would keep Messi at the epicenter of global football conversation.

MLS’s Growing Benefit from Lionel Messi

League commissioner Don Garber credits Messi with accelerating broadcast negotiations in Central and South America, traditionally tough markets for MLS. Attendance records have been smashed, merchandise sales dwarfed previous highs, and academies nationwide report surging youth registrations. Retaining the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner for at least three more seasons would consolidate those gains.

Sporting Ambitions

Inter Miami fell short of the 2023 playoffs but captured the Leagues Cup, showcasing Messi’s instant impact. A renewed contract would give the No. 10 time to chase an MLS Cup title and possibly compete in the FIFA Club World Cup’s expanded 2025 edition—tournaments that fit neatly into Messi’s stated desire for fresh challenges rather than sentimental farewells.

Negotiation Details

Multiple outlets suggest the proposed agreement includes:

• A base salary similar to the current $20 million per year
• Escalating revenue shares from MLS Season Pass subscriptions
• Performance bonuses tied to playoff runs and continental success
• First right of refusal on a future MLS franchise ownership share

While final clauses are being drafted, optimism is high inside DRV PNK Stadium that an announcement could arrive before the summer transfer window opens.

What This Means for Barcelona and Newell’s

For Barcelona, the door to a potential homecoming now appears to close definitively, at least until Messi retires. The club may instead focus on honoring their legend with a post-career ambassador role and a testimonial match once Camp Nou’s renovation is complete. Newell’s Old Boys might have to settle for Messi’s occasional training sessions in Rosario or charity appearances rather than competitive minutes in the red-and-black.

Opinion: A Pragmatic Legacy Play

Holding onto Lionel Messi isn’t just about shirt sales or social-media spikes; it is a strategic bet on MLS’s ability to rewrite its place in the football hierarchy. While nostalgia for Camp Nou or El Coloso del Parque will never fade, the rational choice for Messi—at age 36 and with a young family—is to stay where he can compete, thrive commercially, and shape the sport’s future in North America. If he lifts an MLS Cup and acts as ambassador for the 2026 World Cup, the decision will look less like a snub of old loves and more like the next logical chapter of a career that has always balanced artistry with ambition.