Lionel Messi’s next chapter: Renewal, Barcelona return, or Cristiano Ronaldo reunion? Inter Miami’s stance revealed

What comes next for the Argentine icon? Will there be another contract, a return to international glory, or perhaps even retirement?

As Lionel Messi exited the pitch following a sobering 4-0 defeat at the hands of a European powerhouse in the FIFA Club World Cup’s Round of 16, the soccer world immediately turned its gaze toward an even bigger question: What comes next for the Argentine icon? Will there be another contract, a return to international glory, or perhaps even retirement?

Since arriving in the United States in 2023, Messi has completely transformed Inter Miami. In just over two years, he has lifted the Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield, and become MLS’s most marketable star. On the pitch, he’s scored 50 goals and assisted 24 more in 63 appearances, turning the relatively young franchise into one of the most recognizable clubs in North America.

The team, coached by Javier Mascherano and built around Messi’s former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, has gained both competitiveness and global attention. But with his current deal running out at the end of 2025, speculation about Messi’s next move has grown louder.

Inter Miami’s confidence behind the scenes

While Messi has remained tight-lipped about his future, sources close to Inter Miami are reportedly optimistic about retaining their superstar. According to BBC Sport, “Inter Miami believe they remain in pole position to keep Messi in MLS.”

Club co-owner Jorge Mas added to the optimism, telling ESPN: “My dream would be for the number 10 [Messi] to inaugurate our new stadium in March [2026]… We wish for Messi to finish his career here… We’re just waiting to be able to give the fans the good news about Lionel Messi.”

The club reportedly offered the Argentine a new deal in April, which remains unsigned for now. However, Inter Miami has a reason to believe it has a unique edge: a potential ownership stake in the club, rumored to be as high as 35 percent. That kind of influence off the pitch — combined with the lifestyle Messi enjoys in Florida — makes the U.S. a compelling home for the twilight of his career.

Possible Barcelona comeback or facing Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia?

The romantic notion of a return to Barcelona still lingers, especially now that the Catalan giants have settled a $7 million debt owed to Messi. Though he previously admitted, “After the World Cup, I couldn’t see myself in another European team that wasn’t Barca,” he also acknowledged that a comeback was “not possible” at the time of his 2023 departure.

Spanish journalist Maximiliano Grillo has reported that Barcelona may attempt to re-sign Messi after the 2026 World Cup, possibly bringing his career full circle. However, no official comment has been made by either side regarding such a move.

On the other hand, although Messi’s name has been linked with the Saudi Pro League—particularly after his friend and rival Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr—those rumors remain speculative at best. Given Messi’s family lifestyle in the U.S., proximity to Argentina, and commercial impact on MLS, a move to Saudi Arabia seems increasingly unlikely.