Lionel Messi urged to copy David Beckham & own a MLS team as Brad Friedel fears 'big blow' scenario for American soccer if Argentine leaves Inter Miami

Details of the terms presented to Messi are yet to be revealed, with it previously suggested that he could agree an extension through to 2028. That would take the South American GOAT beyond his 40th birthday.

The end of a remarkable career would be close by then, with it yet to be determined what Messi will do once record-shattering boots are hung up for the final time. His initial deal in South Florida includes a 10 per cent stake in Inter Miami, but he may decide to head off on his own.

Whatever happens, Brad Friedel is hoping that a role is found for Messi in American sport. The former USMNT goalkeeper, speaking in association with Joe Fortune, told GOAL when quizzed on what is next for Messi: "I hope from an MLS point of view and football in America that he stays put. I think that a departure would be a big blow to MLS, a big blow to building things up for MLS prior to a World Cup on home soil.

"There have been a lot of players at the end of their careers that have come to MLS. He’s been one that has performed incredibly well, you see his numbers - goals and assists don’t lie. He’s been incredibly professional around the league itself. I think that would be a big blow for the league if he didn’t sign a new deal.

"The thing that makes any professional league tick, in any sport, is the type of media rights deals that you can get to keep the sport going. When you have people like Lionel Messi, it helps a lot.

"For someone that grew up in this country without a professional league at all, I would like to think that perhaps when he has done playing he will still be involved in MLS in an ownership capacity or something of that nature - to keep helping the name and the brand of MLS to grow. That’s from a selfish standpoint. Let’s hope that he stays in Miami."

Messi moved to the United States in 2023, with the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker bidding farewell to European football. His family are settled in Florida, with fresh terms at Inter Miami set to carry him through the 2026 World Cup with reigning champions Argentina.