Inter Miami are "extremely confident" of tying Lionel Messi to a new contract despite strong interest from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ahli. Messi, who joined the Herons in the summer of 2023, has an active contract with the club until the end of the 2025, however, the David Beckham-owned side want to retain the Argentina legend beyond this year.
Lionel Messi could consider leaving Inter Miami to play in a more competitive league ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. Messi and Co. faced humiliation in the Club World Cup round of 16 stage after suffering a 4-0 loss to Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentine's current deal expires at the end of 2025 and he has reportedly put fresh contract talks on hold.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched a fiery defence of Lionel Messi after Inter Miami’s humiliating 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup Round of 16, slamming the Major League Soccer side as 'statues' and insisted that the Argentine legend shouldn’t take the blame for a team he claims lacks stars, structure, or understanding of elite football.