Clear message from Inter Miami about Messi’s future: both parties want to continue

Initial signs point to a mutual desire to continue

As Lionel Messi enters the final six months of his two-year contract with Inter Miami, the first signs from the club, according to Fabrizio Romano, suggest that both parties are eager to extend the partnership.

Messi’s continued brilliance at age 38

Since his move to MLS in the summer of 2023, Messi has opened a new chapter in global football. This season, he has made 24 appearances in all competitions for Inter Miami, scoring 16 goals and providing 6 assists. Despite nearing the age of 38, his physical resilience, vision, and leadership remain at the highest level.

Global brand expansion driven by Messi

Messi’s presence plays a central role not only on the pitch but also in the club’s global image and brand expansion. Inter Miami now enjoys heightened visibility across the US, Latin America, and Europe, largely thanks to Messi’s transformative influence.

How has Messi impacted Inter Miami?

Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami was more than a sporting gain; it was the catalyst for a profound transformation spanning the club’s technical and financial structure.

Matchday revenues and stadium attendance have surged. Fan engagement has visibly risen, both at home and on the road.

Shirt sales hit record numbers. Adidas has confirmed Messi’s jersey is one of the all-time best-sellers in MLS history.

TV ratings soared. According to Reuters, the Club World Cup match against Palmeiras drew 676,000 viewers on TNT Sports.

Digital reach and sponsorships expanded. The club’s social media following grew by millions within months of the Messi transfer.

He has become a mentor figure for academy players and youngsters. He actively mentors young players during training, offering insight and presence beyond the pitch.

These indicators clearly demonstrate that Messi is more than just a star playing football at Inter Miami — he’s a transformative pillar for the entire club.

Messi’s tactical role at Inter Miami: the conductor of play

On paper, Inter Miami operates in a 4-4-2 formation, with Messi and Suárez forming the forward line. However, Messi’s positioning is far from that of a traditional striker. He often drops closer to the midfield line, collecting the ball in deeper areas and dictating the flow of the game.

Messi is not merely a chance creator — he is the leader orchestrating Inter Miami’s attacking structure. Especially for the wide players and midfielders pushing into the box, their positioning depends on his rhythm and direction. The tempo of play is often shaped by Messi’s intuition.

His teammates have developed a natural instinct to get the ball to Messi first. Attacking actions are typically built around him; everyone who receives the ball looks for Messi, waiting for him to make the decisive call.

With an average starting XI age around 30, Inter Miami lacks high athleticism and therefore prefers to build structured attacks under Messi’s leadership. Occupying the opposition half, maintaining possession, and creating passing triangles around Messi form the cornerstone of their approach.

While many MLS teams rely on high pressing and physical dominance, Inter Miami calmly dismantles such pressure thanks to Messi’s intelligence. In tight situations, his trademark body feints and follow-up passes can render opponents’ midfield and defence ineffective. This has allowed Inter Miami to adopt a style based on thought and precision rather than sheer force.

Messi is far more than a paper-positioned forward. Although he may appear in the attacking line, his true function is to regulate, guide, and recalibrate the flow of play. When Messi is on the pitch, Inter Miami is not just a team in possession — it becomes an organism that plays in sync with his instincts. The team’s shape adapts to Messi’s decisions in real time, making him the reference point not just for his teammates, but for the entire league.

Contract talks nearing resolution

According to a source speaking to Fabrizio Romano, Messi and the Inter Miami board are aligned on extending the contract. Discussions are continuing on the basis of mutual satisfaction, with the club stressing the transparency of the process. Talks are progressing constructively, and necessary steps are being initiated.

In his Daily Briefing newsletter, Romano relayed the words of a source close to the club:

“Leo is under contract until the end of 2025. The truth is that both sides want this relationship to continue. The right steps are already being taken with the right mindset.”

This statement is seen as a clear summary of Inter Miami’s approach to the process.

As it stands, it appears highly likely that Messi will remain with Inter Miami for at least one more year.

Jorge Mas: “Messi could end his career here”

Club co-owner Jorge Mas had already said earlier this summer that they hope Messi will end his career at Inter Miami. Mas expressed optimism, stating that the star and his family enjoy life in Miami, have built a strong bond with the city, and have integrated well into the club’s culture. He also hinted that tangible developments on this front could be expected in the coming weeks and would be shared with the public.

Suárez and Busquets’ status

Another closely followed topic is the future of Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets. According to Sports Illustrated, both players — whose contracts expire at the end of the year — are in line for renewals. Suárez has once again proven his chemistry with Messi through his battling displays this season, while Busquets has been central to controlling tempo and organising transitions. The club aims to retain Messi, Suárez and Busquets together to preserve both on-field experience and brand value. The club equally values the media spotlight these stars bring and their mentoring influence on emerging talent.

Messi's broader legacy at Inter Miami

Inter Miami doesn’t see Messi merely as a footballer — he is positioned as a global figure who embodies the club’s vision. This impact is supported by data: according to Reuters, matches involving Messi at the Club World Cup reached viewership figures comparable to Premier League broadcasts in the US. The match against Palmeiras, in particular, drew 676,000 viewers on TNT Sports, topping the tournament’s ratings. This underscores how Messi’s influence transcends the pitch, establishing him as the most impactful figure in the club’s history by elevating Inter Miami’s economic and media presence.

Looking beyond 2025

The progress of negotiations suggests that Messi’s partnership with Inter Miami could continue beyond 2025. The club is not only focused on the present, but is planning the future together with him.