Inter Miami chief makes bold prediction on Lionel Messi's future beyond current contract & MLS club's trophy chances

Arriving at Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has brought unprecedented attention to both the Florida-based club and the MLS in general. Considered by many to be the best player to ever set foot on a pitch, the Argentine World Cup winner has 52 goal contributions in just 39 games for the Herons, and has turned their fortunes around.

Inter Miami co-owner Mas has addressed concerns about what the club's next steps will be following the expiration of Messi's current contract in 2025, but the American billionaire has insisted that he is confident of keeping hold of the iconic Argentine beyond that.

Messi's superb form and connection with former Barcelona team-mates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez saw the club top the overall MLS league phase, and while they suffered a shock defeat in the MLS Cup play-offs to Atlanta United, all the current signs are pointing to huge success in the near future.

Addressing concerns over Messi's ever-nearing expiration date, Mas said: "Messi is under contract through 2025; Leo and I will sit and discuss the future. As I have said before, and I will repeat it now: I fully expect that in the opening of our new stadium in 2026 and the opening of our 2026 MLS season after a trophy-laden 2025 season, that Leo Messi will be our No.10."

Mas detailed how the club would aim for success over the course of the next couple of seasons, saying: "We are going to use every single roster mechanism given to us by the league to build the best roster we can to compete in 2025, knowing we will compete in multiple competitions such as CONCACAF Champions League, Club World Cup, Leagues Cup.

"There is pressure here to win, and that pressure is going to continue. We expect it of ourselves, our coaches and players. There are roster decisions being made, a little too prematurely than we expected."

Having been knocked out of the MLS play-offs, Messi and Co. now have a three-month off-season period to rest and recuperate, so they can be fully fit and firing for the commencement of the 2025 campaign in February.