Inter Miami ended the 2024 MLS season with a disappointing play-off exit, with Lionel Messi’s year coming to an abrupt end.
The 37-year-old attacker just finished his 2024 with the Argentina national team, with Messi now set for a much-needed six-week break before Inter Miami return for pre-season training ahead of what will be an exciting new season.
With Javier Mascherano set to replace Tata Martino as Inter Miami manager, Messi will be surrounded by another familiar face in Florida, with Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba all set to return to action for the Herons next season.
And Inter Miami are now planning something big in regards to Messi’s contract.
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Inter Miami planning to extend Messi’s contract to 2027
According to Nicolo Schira, Inter Miami are planning to extend Messi’s contract to 2027, a move that could see the Argentine superstar play in MLS with the Herons well into his 40s if the forward agrees to the deal.
Schira posted: “Inter Miami are planning Lionel Messi’s contract extension. His contract expires in 2025 and they are ready to offer the renewal until December 2026, but it’s also on the table the possibility to extend until 2027.”
With Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas recently stating he expects Messi to stay in Florida until at least 2026, news that the forward could now stay in MLS until 2027 would be quite the boost for the Herons and for the league.
And with Andres Iniesta saying Messi is loving life at Inter Miami, there’s a real chance that the forward could extend his current contract with the Supporters’ Shield champions, especially if the attacker can remain fit.
Clik here to view.
Messi staying in MLS until 2027 could be huge for soccer in America
Expectations up until this point had been that Messi would remain with Inter Miami until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the forward could potentially end his career for good with Argentina if they once again went all the way in the biggest competition in sports.
Yet Messi signing a new contract until 2027 could give hope that the Inter Miami captain will stick around in MLS way beyond the World Cup, a boost that could be huge for the growth of soccer in the United States.
Indeed, Messi seems happy in Florida and is keen to build a legacy for himself and Inter Miami, and signing a contract extension would be a huge sign of intent from the forward to help build the game in America.
