A massive new report has revealed the biggest update yet about Lionel Messi’s future after rumours he could leave Inter Miami following the Club World Cup.
Following a brutal 4-0 round of 16 loss to Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, MLS giants Inter Miami were knocked out of the Club World Cup last weekend.
Although the loss was no doubt hard to take for fans, the news that followed was potentially even worse, as some reports claimed that star player Messi could be set to leave the club in the near future.
It was claimed that the football great was considering a move to a more competitive league following the expiration of his current contract, which is set to run out at the end of this year.
This would allow Messi to join a top club in the January transfer window, giving him six months to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, with former side Barcelona emerging as the favourites to secure his signature.
And now, a new report has revealed the latest surrounding Messi’s potential departure from Inter Miami, and it’s good news for the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi was linked with a move back to Barcelona following Inter Miami’s Club World Cup exit. (Image: Getty)
According to The Athletic, although it is true that Messi’s contract will expire at the end of 2025, it is currently expected that he will extend his stay in MLS rather than moving elsewhere.
A source close to Argentina captain had previously said that this was the case back in April, and has again reiterated this to be the case in recent days.
The news will be a massive relief for organisers of the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be hosted across North America, as it will mean that Messi will stay within the United States and can act as an ambassador for the competition.
Lionel Messi will once again lead the line for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. (Image: Getty)
However, for European fans eager to see more of the greatest of all time after his impressive performances at the Club World Cup, there will no doubt be disappointment at the fact we may never see Messi in a Barcelona shirt again.
Since arriving at Inter Miami, Messi has made 63 appearances, scoring 50 goals and assisted 24.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
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Odds on Lionel Messi’s next club have been slashed with a clear favourite emerging to sign the Inter Miami star.
On Sunday, Messi was in action as Inter Miami took on European champions Paris Saint Germain in the newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup.
Perhaps as expected, PSG came away with a comfortable win as a Joao Neves brace plus a strike from Achraf Hakimi and an own goal by Tomas Aviles secured a 4-0 victory.
On the back of Inter Miami’s exit from the Club World Cup, it has been claimed that Messi could consider leaving the MLS side.
As reported by journalist Esteban Edul on ESPN Argentina, Messi is thinking about moving to a more competitive league six months before the 2026 World Cup, which Argentina is set to defend.
As things stand, Messi’s contract will expire at the end of the year, making him a free agent ahead of the January transfer window.
It has been suggested that Messi would like to play in a more competitive league in order to prepare better ahead of the World Cup.
In addition, Edul claimed that contract talks between the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Inter Miami have been put on hold.
As a result, odds have slashed on Messi making what would be a sensational return to his former side, Barcelona.
Lionel Messi has been linked with a move away from Inter Miami. Image: Getty
