Lionel Messi has not yet signed an extension with Inter Miami, sparking rumors about potential interest from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. Messi’s current deal with Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of the 2025 MLS season in late December, raising questions about his future beyond that point.
At present, Messi’s focus remains on participating in the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. His future with Inter Miami is expected to become clearer once the tournament concludes.
Despite growing reports claiming Al Hilal is pursuing Messi for the next season, no definitive updates from Inter Miami regarding contract renewal have emerged. Speculation intensified when Saudi sources suggested the club’s president, Fahad bin Nafel, traveled to the United States to meet with Messi’s father and his representatives about a potential transfer this summer.
Reliable Sources Refute Al Hilal Negotiation Claims
Journalist Guillem Balague has challenged reports of Al Hilal’s talks with Messi and his team, labeling such news as false. According to Balague, Inter Miami and Messi are engaged in ongoing negotiations aimed at extending his contract.
Guillem Balague stated,
Not true at all that Al Hilal has met or is about to meet Messi’s dad. Inter Miami and Leo [Messi] are still in ongoing discussions aimed at renewing his contract; this is the truth so far.
This clarification suggests Messi is highly likely to remain with Inter Miami beyond the current season, which also improves his prospects of featuring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. The Athletic has reported advanced talks underway between the club and the player regarding contract renewal.
Jorge Mas, co-owner of Inter Miami, has expressed enthusiasm for having Messi play in the club’s new stadium, Freedom Park, scheduled to open in Spring 2026.
Upcoming Challenges for Messi and Inter Miami at the Club World Cup
Inter Miami is preparing for a significant test as they face reigning Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup. This match will take place Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Should Inter Miami secure a win against PSG, their path in the tournament becomes clearer. The next round, the quarterfinals, would pit them against either Flamengo or Bayern Munich, while the semifinals could feature one of several top teams including Real Madrid, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, or Monterrey.
Financial and Sporting Stakes Rise With Club World Cup Participation
Inter Miami’s qualification for the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup not only reflects sporting success but also brings substantial financial rewards to the MLS club. This opportunity highlights the growing profile of both Messi and his team on the international stage.
Messi Approaches a Major Career Milestone at the Club World Cup
This tournament is particularly meaningful for Messi as he is set to break an impressive streak, approaching his 1100th professional game. The Club World Cup marks an important moment in reigniting his illustrious career while representing Inter Miami.