What's Next For Lionel Messi? The Inter Miami Star's Options Before 2026 World Cup

In less than a year from now, Lionel Messi is expected to be starring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Argentina attempts to repeat as champions and win its fourth overall title.

But there has been some recent buzz over Messi's club situation as the 38-year-old's contract at Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of 2025.

After Messi and Miami were eliminated by PSG (Messi's former team) from this summer's Club World Cup on Sunday, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported Monday that there is mutual interest to extend the player's deal with the MLS club. 

"The necessary steps are being taken with the right mindset to make it happen," Romano reported. 

But what would be Messi's options if he did leave Miami ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Would a return to Barcelona be feasible? Any other potential offers out there? We take a look. 

Messi has been at the MLS club since summer of 2023, and he is already the team's all-time scorer (50 goals across all competitions). He has also helped the team win two trophies (Leagues Cup, Supporters Shield) but he has yet to win the MLS Cup. 

He's being handsomely paid as well. Messi is the league's highest-paid player with a total annual compensation of nearly $20.5 million – greater than the entire payroll of 21 MLS teams.

Lionel Messi has been at Inter Miami since 2023. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Inter Miami is on track to open a new stadium in March 2026 and team owner Jorge Mas has repeatedly stated that he wants the star player to be part of the team that inaugurates it. 

"We wish for Messi to finish his career here. I said a few months ago that we should have news in the summer about that, but hopefully it will be as soon as possible," Mas told ESPN in June.

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