What's Next For Lionel Messi? The Inter Miami Star's Options Before 2026 World Cup

In less than a year from now, Lionel Messi is expected to be starring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Argentina attempts to repeat as champions and win its fourth overall title.

But there has been some recent buzz over Messi’s club situation as the 38-year-old’s contract at Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of 2025.

After Messi and Miami were eliminated by PSG (Messi’s former team) from this summer’s Club World Cup on Sunday, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported Monday that there is mutual interest to extend the player’s deal with the MLS club.

“The necessary steps are being taken with the right mindset to make it happen,” Romano reported.

But what would be Messi’s options if he did leave Miami ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Would a return to Barcelona be feasible? Any other potential offers out there? We take a look.

Stay at Inter Miami?

Messi has been at the MLS club since summer of 2023, and he is already the team’s all-time scorer (50 goals across all competitions). He has also helped the team win two trophies (Leagues Cup, Supporters Shield) but he has yet to win the MLS Cup.

He’s being handsomely paid as well. Messi is the league’s highest-paid player with a total annual compensation of nearly $20.5 million – greater than the entire payroll of 21 MLS teams.

Lionel Messi has been at Inter Miami since 2023. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

Inter Miami is on track to open a new stadium in March 2026 and team owner Jorge Mas has repeatedly stated that he wants the star player to be part of the team that inaugurates it.

“We wish for Messi to finish his career here. I said a few months ago that we should have news in the summer about that, but hopefully it will be as soon as possible,” Mas told ESPN in June.

Off the pitch, Messi has settled in nicely in Miami. His sons are part of Inter Miami’s development academy and his family is often seen on the sideline of home games.

Barcelona return? Join Guardiola at Manchester City?

The image of Messi in tears as he bid farewell to the club in 2021 where he became a global icon (672 goals in 778 appearances) remains seared in the memories of Barça supporters. But it likely won’t spur a return to the club anytime soon.

Lionel Messi’s final moments back in 2021 with Barcelona saw him shedding tears. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP) (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Similar to Miami’s stadium situation, Barcelona is racing toward a re-opening of the venerable Camp Nou following extensive renovations. A return home for Messi would certainly be appealing.

But the club’s financial struggles, which prompted Messi’s departure in the first place, have not been fully resolved. Financial rules hampered Barcelona from often fully registering players, such as like Dani Olmo last season.

And even after winning LaLiga this past season under teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, the team continues to face financial difficulties. Recent reports of them wanting to sign star forward Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao have been dampened due to Barcelona’s salary situation.

What about other European teams? A report by Argentine journaist Esteban Edul stated that Messi did want to play at a “more competitive club” ahead of the 2026 World Cup, although no specific teams have been stated.

Similar to a hypothetical return to Barcelona, an improbable reunion with Pep Guardiola – his former coach at Barcelona with whom he won three Champions League trophies – would create some buzz. Manchester City had previously been linked with Messi, especially before he signed with PSG in 2023. Guardiola has continued to be complimentary of his former player, but joining up at the Premier League team would be difficult.

Rekindle Ronaldo rivalry in Saudi Pro League?

Messi was reportedly offered a deal to join Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal in 2023, which would rekindle his El Clásico rivalry with former Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. Nonetheless, soccer insider Guillem Balague debunked the buzz about Messi’s father having a recent meeting with Al Hilal.

When Lionel Messi was with PSG, he faced Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr in a match in 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

So, what will happen? The likeliest scenario is that Messi signs a new deal with Inter Miami ahead of the 2026 MLS season, which will secure his future through next summer’s World Cup. Any big developments in Messi’s playing career will occur after next summer, whether or not he lifts another World Cup crown.

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