Lionel Messi to stay at Inter Miami for 2026? ‘Happy’ claim made by Alexis Mac Allister as Argentina international mulls over future in MLS ahead of World Cup trophy defence

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner still has a year left to run on the deal that he signed when heading to the United States in the summer of 2023. Messi has enjoyed Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield triumphs in Florida, while claiming MVP honours for 2024.

He remains determined to savour MLS Cup glory and boasts a 12-month extension option in his contract that could be triggered at any time. If he were to agree an extended stay at Chase Stadium, then the all-time great would still be on Inter Miami’s books when Argentina look to defend the global crown that they secured at Qatar 2022.

Mac Allister has told AS when asked if he sees Messi gracing another major tournament, with question marks continuing to hang over his future plans at club level: “I hope so. I think so. There's a year-and-a-half left to go until the World Cup, and that's nothing. He looks happy, and although I don't know what will happen with his future, it seems like he's going to stay with Inter Miami to keep playing and enjoying himself. I hope he can make it because he's the player who makes the difference. It's always a plus to have him with us.”

Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister savoured World Cup glory alongside Messi in 2022 and added on what his iconic countryman continues to mean to everybody in Argentina: “Leo is everything. For my generation and for those of us who have shared a dressing room with him, he is everything. He shows in every match, training session or in a chat that he is a top person and player. It makes me happy to share a dressing room with Messi and to be able to say that I have played with the best of all time.”

Messi has earned 191 caps for Argentina, scoring 112 goals, and remains captain of the Albiceleste. He has hinted at playing on through to the next World Cup – which will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico – while Inter Miami remain hopeful that he can be talked into sticking around on their books.