Messi's MLS Future: Where Will the Summer Transfer Window Take Him?
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract expires in the summer of 2025, and rumors are swirling about where the Argentinian captain will head for the 2025-26 season. Messi has been connected to three different teams, either joining Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, returning to Barcelona, or staying at Inter Miami. Rumors are swirling that Lionel Messi is hesitant to extend his Inter Miami contract, leaving fans to assume a return to Barcelona is possible. However, with little information from the Argentinian on where he plans to go next, everyone is left to speculate where he may go.
Manchester City
During the winter transfer window, Lionel Messi was connected to Manchester City, with rumors that Pep Guardiola was looking to sign the forward. Although a few months have passed since then, it is likely that Guardiola will try to sign the forward again during the summer. Since Messi left Barcelona in 2021, the Manchester City coach has been desperate to sign him. Since the two had worked together previously when Guardiola coached Barcelona from 2008 to 2012, Messi could smoothly transfer to Manchester City and have a spot to play. With Manchester City’s bad run this season, they definitely need a change, and a strong player and captain like Messi could definitely fix them up.
Barcelona
Since Lionel Messi left Barcelona in 2021, fans have prayed for him to return to the Catalan team. Due to financial issues back then, Messi was forced to leave his beloved team, however this may be the year it’s possible. With Neymar Jr., possibly returning to Barcelona for next season, it may be the push Messi needs to resign. Barcelona definitely has made more money to be able to afford to register and pay their ex-player, which they couldn’t previously. With his contract ending soon, the Argentinian has been heavily linked to Barcelona and rumors are swirling that he’s in talks with the Catalan team. With even other ex-La Liga players, like Sergio Ramos, going on record to say that Messi is likely to return to the Catalan team.
Inter Miami
However, if the transfer window falls flat, Lionel Messi could easily extend his contract with Inter Miami. Seeing as he likely doesn’t have a lot of years left before retirement, MLS would be a good place to retire. Not only that, but Inter Miami has many ex-Barcelona players like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba playing together, giving the team a deeper connection. Messi has made it clear he isn’t against extending his Inter Miami contract, allowing for a smoother transition should a transfer to Manchester City or Barcelona fail.
Overall, whichever team gets Lionel Messi will be in for a treat. With the Club World Cup swiftly approaching and the 2026 World Cup next year, Messi’s set for a busy year full of success no matter where he signs. Until the summer transfer window opens, Messi seems content with his successful career in Miami. Until the official announcement, fans anxiously wait to find out whether Messi rejoins Barcelona, reconnects with Guardiola at Manchester City, or he stays with his friends at Inter Miami.
