Lionel Messi’s next destination after Inter Miami has been revealed by co-owner David Beckham himself.
The Major League Soccer club, which gave Messi the chance to chase his American dream in 2023, has him tied down until 2025.
The deal includes the option for a 12-month extension that would take place before the next World Cup in 2026.
And it appears Inter Miami are confident this is the likeliest scenario for their talisman.
The club’s co-owner, Jorge Mas, said: “Leo and I will sit down to discuss the future.
“I fully expect that when our new stadium opens in 2026, Leo Messi will be our number 10.”
Messi’s stint in Miami has been impressive when it comes to his contribution on the pitch.
In 39 appearances, he has found the back of the net 34 times and delivered 18 assists, averaging a stunning goal contribution every 58.5 minutes.
Yet, even with his undeniable impact and a contract still in place, he has never concealed his deep desire to return to his beloved Barcelona.
David Beckham has remarked, with a hint of bittersweet anticipation, that one day they will have to bid farewell to the Argentine.
“I would like Messi to live in Miami when he retires,” Beckham told the Economic Forum in Davos.
“But Leo told me that he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou.
“There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does.
“You can see the Barca crest on his leg and even on his water bottle.”
Earlier this week, some enlightening thoughts on Messi’s future were shared by family friend and journalist Yanina Latorre.
Latorre also indicated that Europe seems to be a more probable next step for Messi when he eventually bids adieu to Florida.
“Messi told me that when he finishes his career at Inter Miami, he will return to live in Barcelona,” said Latorre.
“I asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to stay in Miami?’ He said, ‘No, no, my place is [Barcelona].’”
Messi’s impact at Inter Miami has propelled the team to the summit of the league standings in the 2024 season.
However, heartbreak struck as they faced an early exit from the postseason playoff chase for the MLS championship.
Messi’s journey began at the tender age of 13 when he joined Barcelona’s youth academy, making his first-team debut in 2004.
He blossomed into a pivotal player under Pep Guardiola and became arguably the greatest player of all time.
Along the way he has won 46 trophies, including 10 LaLiga titles and the Champions League on four occasions.
With 672 goals during his time their, he etched his name into the history books as Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer.
He has also gathered numerous individual accolades, including a record seven Ballons d’Or, a testament to his extraordinary talent.
