Lionel Messi 'has already decided next club' when Inter Miami contract expires in 2025
Today at 12:01 PM
Lionel Messi’s time at Inter Miami is running out with his next club already reportedly decided.
The Argentine has revamped the fortunes of the MLS franchise since his arrival in the summer of 2023.
Not content with leading the club to its first ever trophy last year, Inter Miami sit eight points clear at the top of the MLS standings and are firm favourites to land this season's MLS Cup.
Messi's impact has been undeniable but Inter Miami are likely to have just one more campaign with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
The 37-year-old has reportedly decided that his next move will be a return to his homeland when his Inter Miami contract expires in December 2025.
According to El Nacional, Messi is set for an emotional return to where it all began for him at Newell's Old Boys.
The World Cup winner left Newell's Old Boys aged 13 to join Barcelona and considers a move back to the club the most fitting way to see out his incredible career.
Messi has previously spoken of his desire to return to the Newell's Old Boys and admits to holding the club in his heart.
In an interview with El Planeta Urbano in 2016, he said: “If I go back to Argentina tomorrow, which I would love, the club I would play for would be Newell’s.”
The former Barcelona star made his return from injury last weekend in Inter Miami's clash with Philadelphia Union and instantly left his mark.
An ankle injury suffered at this summer's Copa America had left him sidelined for two months but there was no signs of rust as he netted twice within 30 minutes as his side ran out 3-1 winners.
It took his tally for the season to an impressive 14 goals and 14 assists despite missing much of the season through injury.
The win took Inter Miami to 64 points and eight points clear of second-placed FC Cincinnati, leaving them on the cusp of the Supporters Shield – the trophy handed out to the team with the most points during the regular season.
Should Messi steer Inter Miami to the MLS title before he leaves then he would undoubtedly go down as the league's greatest ever import and the most impactful since Major League Soccer's inception in 1996.
