Football icon Lionel Messi has concluded another chapter of his legendary career, this time at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, where his club Inter Miami suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Round of 16. Despite the loss, Messi remains the subject of global fascination, as fans, media, and experts alike speculate about his next steps—both at club level and on the international stage.
In this comprehensive breakdown, we look at everything from Messi’s current contract situation with Inter Miami, to his potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the possibility of a return to Barcelona, and whether retirement is just around the corner.
Inter Miami Crushed by PSG: Messi’s Club World Cup Ends Early
On Sunday, Inter Miami faced European champions Paris Saint-Germain in a highly anticipated knockout match at the 2025 Club World Cup, held in the United States. Despite the buildup and excitement, the outcome was one-sided—PSG dominated the match and secured a convincing 4-0 victory, sending Messi and his MLS side packing.
Messi, though involved and active on the field, couldn’t make a breakthrough. He had a header saved by the goalkeeper and struck the goalpost with a free kick, coming close to scoring but ultimately finishing the match goalless.
After the game, speaking to Latin American sports channel DSports, Messi expressed no surprise at the outcome:
“It was the game we expected. PSG is a great team, they won the last Champions League and are in terrific form. We gave it our all and tried to represent ourselves well.”
Despite the bitter loss, Messi acknowledged that the team left a “good impression” in their debut appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup—a notable milestone for Inter Miami, which only began competing in 2020.
Inter Miami’s Next Step: Back to MLS
Following their exit from the Club World Cup, Inter Miami will now shift focus back to Major League Soccer (MLS). Their next scheduled fixture is against CF Montréal this Sunday, resuming their campaign in the Eastern Conference—a campaign they had paused due to the international tournament.
It remains uncertain whether Messi will start the match or be rested by Miami coach Javier Mascherano, who has a close bond with Messi from their Argentina national team days. The superstar played every minute of Miami’s Club World Cup games, and Mascherano might opt to manage his minutes as they head into a busy MLS schedule.
Inter Miami Contract: Will Messi Stay Beyond 2025?
Lionel Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami runs through the end of the 2025 MLS season. While the club has not yet confirmed a contract extension, all signals suggest that Messi’s presence in Miami might not end anytime soon.
Jorge Mas, co-owner of Inter Miami along with his brother José Mas and former England captain David Beckham, recently told ESPN:
“My dream is to have Messi inaugurate our new stadium in March 2026.”
The stadium, Miami Freedom Park, is currently under construction and projected to be the club’s new home ground by early 2026. Having Messi take part in its opening would mark a historic moment for the club and the league.
While the owners are hopeful, Mas emphasized that the final decision rests solely with Messi, indicating that negotiations are ongoing but not finalized. The club anticipates making an announcement by summer 2025, pending Messi’s decision.
Messi’s Earnings: The Highest-Paid Player in MLS
Lionel Messi is not just the face of Inter Miami but also the highest-paid player in the history of Major League Soccer.
According to data from the MLS Players Association, Messi’s 2025 salary details include:
- Guaranteed compensation: $20.4 million
- Base salary: $12 million
His earnings far surpass those of other players in the league. In addition to his salary, Messi benefits from partnership agreements with Apple, Adidas, and Fanatics, along with a share of MLS Season Pass revenue, further enhancing his compensation package.
This massive deal underscores how central Messi is to the MLS’s growth strategy, especially as the league looks to raise its global profile ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Will Messi Ever Return to Barcelona?
Messi’s name remains forever etched into the history of FC Barcelona. After joining the Catalan club at the age of 13, he became their all-time leading goal scorer and greatest player. But due to financial constraints, he left the club in 2021 in an emotional farewell that stunned the football world.
Since moving to the United States in 2023, Messi has spoken about his deep connection with Barcelona. In previous interviews, he revealed:
“After the World Cup, I couldn’t see myself at another European club if it wasn’t Barcelona. That was my home, and it always will be.”
Recently, Barcelona have reportedly agreed to pay the final €7 million ($7.5 million) they owe Messi from past deferred wages. This settlement has reignited rumors about a possible return to the club in some capacity.
According to Argentinian football journalist Maximiliano Grillo, Barcelona might attempt to bring Messi back after his Inter Miami contract expires, possibly for a farewell match, ceremonial return, or even a short final playing stint.
As of now, neither Barcelona officials nor Messi’s representatives have commented publicly on the idea. But fans around the world are watching closely for any hint of a fairytale reunion.
World Cup 2026: Will Messi Wear the Argentina Jersey Again?
At 38 years old, Lionel Messi still remains an influential figure in Argentina’s national team. Having led La Albiceleste to a dramatic World Cup win in Qatar 2022, many are wondering whether he’ll make one last appearance at FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Argentina have already qualified for the tournament, and Messi did take part in the early qualification matches. However, he missed several recent games due to injuries.
Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni has urged the media and fans to avoid putting pressure on Messi, saying:
“We need to take things game by game. He will decide when he’s ready. Let’s give him space.”
Messi’s teammates, however, have made their support clear. After a 4-1 victory over Brazil in the qualifiers, Julián Álvarez said:
“With Messi, we might have scored even more.”
Rodrigo De Paul, one of Messi’s closest friends on the team, added:
“The best version of Argentina is always with the number 10 on the pitch. He’s the greatest ever.”
Though there’s no official word from Messi himself, the chance to play his final World Cup on North American soil, where he now lives and plays professionally, could be a poetic conclusion to his career.
Is the Saudi Pro League Still an Option?
In early 2023, before signing with Inter Miami, Messi was heavily linked to a move to Saudi Arabia, with reports suggesting a record-breaking offer worth over $400 million per year. However, he chose a different path—signing with Miami for professional and personal reasons.
With his contract ending in 2025, the Saudi Pro League has again been mentioned as a potential destination, but several factors make that move seem unlikely:
- The Messi family is happily settled in Florida, enjoying a quieter life away from Europe’s media frenzy.
- Proximity to Argentina and cultural familiarity with Latin American communities in Miami provide comfort.
- The 2026 World Cup will be hosted in the U.S., giving Messi the chance to stay involved in American soccer’s growth.
Given all these, a move to Saudi Arabia appears unlikely at this point in his career.
Will Messi Retire Soon?
Although Messi has not announced his retirement, his comments during the Club World Cup hinted at a possible farewell from elite football.
Following Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over Porto earlier in the tournament, Messi said:
“I’m aware that I’m playing my final matches. I’m enjoying them as much as I can. You’re probably watching the last moments of my time in football’s top level.”
After the heavy defeat to PSG, he did not add to those comments, but it’s clear that retirement is not far off.
Whether he ends his career after the 2025 MLS season, in 2026 after the World Cup, or in a ceremonial return to Barcelona, Messi has already hinted that the final chapter is being written.
A Legend on the Brink of Closure
Lionel Messi’s career continues to evolve—shaped by ambition, family, loyalty, and global impact. Whether he remains at Inter Miami, returns to Barcelona, appears at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, or steps away from the sport altogether, the world is watching.
What remains certain is this: when Messi decides to say goodbye, it will be one of the most emotional moments in football history.
The Information is collected from Daily Mail and Yahoo.
