Lionel Messi’s next career move after Inter Miami contract expires has been leaked

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Lionel Messi's secretive plans for his time after Inter Miami have come to light. 

The ongoing conversation about Messi’s future always ignites speculation, but details of his plans have emerged somewhat accidentally.

Lionel Messi has scored 23 goals for Inter Miami.
AFP

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner faced disappointment when the Flamingos were unable to clinch a Major League Soccer winner’s medal after a valiant effort in the playoffs in 2024.

Yet, a glimmer of hope remains, as he has one more chance to pursue the title before his current contract concludes at the end of the 2025 season.

With the 37-year-old’s long-term future still uncertain, the enticing possibility of returning to Argentina to conclude his career has been suggested. 

Argentina holds a huge place in Messi’s heart, having had an incredible international journey filled triumphs.

He passionately led his nation to triumph in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, finally shattering the long-standing barrier of major international trophies.

As Argentina’s all-time leading scorer, his performances on the world stage have powerfully solidified his legacy as one of the greatest footballers to ever grace the game.

However, a family friend of Messi's, journalist Yanina Latorre, has shed light on his more probable destination. 

Latorre reveals that Europe is a more likely stop for Messi when he bids farewell to Florida.

The World Cup winner has expressed a desire to extend his journey in MLS beyond this year, but Latorre also indicated that he hinted at an intention to finish his playing days at Inter Miami before ultimately returning to Barcelona for his post-football life.

“Messi told me that when he finishes his career at Inter Miami, he will return to live in Barcelona,” said Latorre.

Lionel Messi scored 672 goals for Barcelona.
AFP

“I asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to stay in Miami?’ He said, ‘No, no, my place is [Barcelona].'”

Messi joined Barcelona’s youth academy at just 13 making his first-team debut in 2004.

He became a pivotal player under Pep Guardiola, creating a devastating attacking trio with Xavi and Iniesta, winning numerous trophies, including multiple La Liga and Champions League titles.

With over 600 goals, he etched his name in history as Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer.

He also won numerous individual accolades, including a record seven Ballon d’Or awards.

Messi joined PSG in 2021, teaming up with the brilliant Neymar and the Kylian Mbappe to create a dazzling trio.

Getty
During his time at PSG, Lionel Messi scored 32 goals and provided 34 assists in 75 appearances.[/caption]
Lionel Messi boasts a huge array of personal accolades.

Although he celebrated two Ligue 1 titles, his influence felt somewhat subdued in comparison to the magnificent heights he reached at Barcelona.

PSG grappled with the challenge of consistently asserting their dominance in the Champions League, falling short of their cherished dream.

His move to Inter Miami saw the team rise to the top of the league standings in the 2024 season, though heartbreak struck as they were eliminated early in the postseason playoff chase for the MLS championship.

Jorge Mas, co-owner of the club alongside his brother Jose and David Beckham, expressed his hopes for Messi’s future with the team.

He told the media that he expects Messi to play for the Flamingos in 2026.

“Leo and I will sit down and discuss the future,” he said. “The MLS season after a trophy-filled 2025 season, Leo Messi will be our number 10.

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