Lionel Messi’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 concluded dramatically on Sunday as Inter Miami suffered a staggering 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the tournament’s last 16.
The defeat brings Inter Miami’s focus back to Major League Soccer (MLS) after a break during the Club World Cup, which was hosted in the United States.
In his third year at Miami, Messi remains the team’s captain, but uncertainty looms over his future with both the club and the Argentinian national team.
After the loss to PSG, Messi spoke to Latin American sports channel DSports, expressing both disappointment and acknowledgment of PSG’s superiority.
“The match was what was expected,” he stated.
“They’re a great team, winners of the last Champions League, and they’re in really good shape. It was the match we expected. We tried to do our best, and I think we left a good impression at the Club World Cup.”
Looking ahead, Inter Miami resumes its MLS campaign with a trip to Montreal this Sunday.
While it remains uncertain whether Messi will feature in the match, having started and played the entirety of all Miami’s games in the Club World Cup, coach Javier Mascherano may choose to rest him in light of the recent tournament.
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of 2025. Although he has not committed publicly regarding his future, the ownership group, which includes co-owner Jorge Mas and former footballer David Beckham, is optimistic about extending his stay in Miami.
Jorge Mas expressed his hopes for Messi to debut in the club’s new stadium, slated to open in March 2026.
“My dream would be for the number 10 [Messi] to inaugurate our new stadium,” Mas told ESPN.
However, he quickly emphasized that the final decision regarding Messi’s future is ultimately up to the player himself.
Yet, interest in Messi remains high.
Club officials are hopeful for an announcement about an extension soon, indicating they are just waiting for the opportunity to share good news with fans regarding Messi’s future.
In terms of financial compensation, Messi is the highest-paid player in MLS, set to earn $20.4 million in guaranteed compensation in 2025, with a base salary of $12 million.
As for the possibility of a return to Barcelona, where he became one of the greatest players in football history, Messi’s emotional connection with the Catalan club is undeniable.
Having left Barcelona in tears in 2021, Messi stated earlier this year that he could not envision playing for another European club.
“After the World Cup, I couldn’t see myself in another European team that wasn’t Barca,” he shared.
The club is preparing to settle a $7 million debt owed to Messi, and speculation suggests they might aim to lure him back after he concludes his contract in Miami and following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Reports from Argentinian football journalist Maximiliano Grillo suggest that Barcelona is patiently awaiting Messi’s contract completion before making any formal approach for his return to the club he once called ‘home.’
However, neither Messi nor Barcelona’s representatives have commented on this potential reunion.
Looking ahead to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Messi remains somewhat ambiguous about his international future.
Having led Argentina to their third World Cup win in Qatar 2022, Messi has participated in the qualification process but has missed several matches due to injuries.
Coach Lionel Scaloni has stated that there is plenty of time for Messi to consider his future in international football.
“We must go one game at a time, otherwise [we] will be speaking about the same thing the rest of the year, and we need to leave him alone. We will see,” Scaloni remarked regarding Messi’s international career trajectory.
Despite his uncertainty, Messi’s teammates are vocal about their desire to have him continue playing for Argentina.
“With Messi, we might have scored two or three more goals,” Julian Alvarez remarked after a qualifying match win over Brazil.
Rodrigo de Paul echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the added strength Messi brings to the team.
“The best of our teams is always when the number 10 is playing because he is the greatest of all time,” he stated.
Speculation about a move to the Saudi Pro League has resurfaced as Messi’s contract approaches its end, rekindling earlier rumors from early 2023 when he was linked to a potential departure from PSG.
However, given Messi and his family’s settled lifestyle in Florida and their proximity to Argentina, the Saudi league seems unlikely as he nears the end of his illustrious career.
As for retirement, Messi has not set a timeline following Inter Miami’s recent setback against PSG.
Yet, earlier in the tournament, he hinted at the potential closing chapters of his career.
“I’m conscious that I’m playing my final matches and I’m enjoying them to the maximum,” Messi admitted after a victory against Porto.
“I’m sure that you’re watching my final moments in football’s elite.”
As Messi continues to navigate the uncertain terrain of his future, fans and the football world at large await developments regarding one of the sport’s most iconic players.
image source from：aljazeera
