Lionel Messi emulates Cristiano Ronaldo: Inter Miami superstar makes huge future call in 2028 MLS contract claim

As things stand, the Argentine GOAT will see his current deal in South Florida expire at the end of the 2025 MLS campaign. There is an option in those terms for a 12-month extension, which will take Messi through the next World Cup.

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With said clause yet to be triggered, questions have been asked of Messi’s future plans. A move to join eternal rival Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League has been speculated on, while talk of returning to his roots at Newell’s Old Boys is seemingly never far away.

Catalunya Radio are, however, reporting that the Barcelona great is ready to prolong his association with Inter Miami. It is claimed that Messi is "on the verge of closing a renewal agreement" that will take him through to 2028.

If that deal were to be seen out, then Messi would turn 41 during the final year of his contract in the United States. There is clearly no desire on his part to bow out any time soon, with evergreen Al-Nassr striker Ronaldo showing in the Middle East what can be achieved at 40 years of age.

Inter Miami, who hoped that a move for fellow World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul would help to convince Messi to stay put, will be delighted to learn that their talismanic No.10 is willing to ignore any interest from afar and grace their new Freedom Park home.