The 37-year-old striker is currently entering the final year of his contract at Inter Miami. However, the contract has an option to extend for another 12 months, until 2026. Inter Miami is expected to retain the owner of 8 Golden Balls.
Messi is now looking ahead to the next World Cup, where he hopes to help Argentina defend their title in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Continuing to play in the United States will help prepare for the tournament.
If he agrees to stay in Miami, Messi will complete two full seasons in MLS, making him eligible for a loan deal during the off-season. According to El Nacional, this could open the door for Messi to return to Barca.
It is reported that, in order to maintain his best form during the World Cup year, Messi could join Barca on loan after the 2025 MLS season ends. Similar cases have happened to Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane, when they moved to play for Arsenal and Aston Villa respectively during the MLS off-season.
Barca have never hidden their desire to bring Messi back to Camp Nou. A return as a player was once thought unlikely, with Messi’s relationship with the club severed in 2021. However, Messi could now have the chance to extend his incredible record of 672 goals for the La Liga giants.
