Lionel Messi’s future with Inter Miami has become a hot topic in recent weeks, with growing uncertainty surrounding his long-term commitment to the MLS club. While Messi himself has avoided discussing the situation, head coach Javier Mascherano didn’t shy away—offering insight into his hopes for the star’s future.
Inter Miami suffered another blow over the weekend, falling 3–0 to Orlando City in the Florida Derby. The loss added pressure to a team already in crisis and included postgame criticism from Messi, who took aim at MLS officiating. Still, the Argentine captain also used the moment to rally the team with a motivational message as they approach the final stretch before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:
“We have to keep going because it’s a tough moment, but we’ll get through it—together. Now we’ll see if we’re truly a team in difficult times, because when everything’s going well, it’s easy. But when tough moments like this come, that’s when we have to be more united than ever, be a real team, and push through. I believe we have what it takes, so now it’s time to focus on what’s next and prepare for the match against Philadelphia.”
However, when asked directly about his contract situation, Messi brushed off the question with a brief response. “No, no. I know nothing about it,” he said with a short laugh before heading to the locker room.
Mascherano weighs in on Messi’s future
While Messi remains tight-lipped, teammate Jordi Alba has already expressed his desire to continue playing alongside him. Head coach Javier Mascherano has also acknowledged the importance of the situation. In an interview with MLS ahead of the Orlando match, Mascherano addressed both Alba’s contract renewal and the uncertainty around Messi:
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“To sign Jordi for the next two years is important to show stability, and hopefully, in a few weeks we can have some news about Leo,” Mascherano said. “I think it will be very, very important for the club, the fans, and for MLS.”
Messi made a surprise move to Inter Miami in June 2023, signing a contract through the end of 2025. Despite stalled negotiations, club executives remain hopeful that the Argentine legend will stay on and serve as the face of the franchise when Miami Freedom Park opens in 2026.
