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Beyond the Benjamins: The Real Reason Messi Might Leave Inter Miami

The Argentine could be living his last season with the U.S. team

By Luis Antonio Zamora

Lionel Messi with Inter Miami
Lionel Messi with Inter Miami
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The Argentine could be living his last season with the U.S. team. Although Inter Miami intends to renew his contract until 2026, Lionel Messi is not planning to stay in the MLS as he would like to return to Barcelona with his family, so his priority would be to play again with the Spanish team.

The possibility of Lionel Messi not renewing his contract with Inter Miami and returning to Barcelona in 2026 has been a topic of great speculation among football fans and pundits alike. Since Messi’s high-profile move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023, the future of his career has been a subject of constant discussion. While his decision to join Inter Miami was seen as a new chapter in his illustrious career, rumors about his potential return to Barcelona have never truly gone away. The idea of Messi returning to the club where he spent over 20 years and became the greatest player in their history has intrigued many, especially given Barcelona’s current and future plans.

Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is set to run until the end of the 2025 MLS season, with the option of a one-year extension. However, the possibility of him choosing not to renew his contract and instead return to Barcelona after 2025 remains a realistic prospect, fueled by several factors.

First, Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles, which have forced the club to make significant changes in recent years, could potentially be alleviated by Messi’s return. The club’s financial situation has been a major concern, especially as they have been restricted by La Liga’s salary cap regulations. However, with the gradual recovery of Barcelona’s finances, there is hope that by 2026, they could be in a better position to re-sign Messi, even on a reduced salary or under special conditions. The presence of sponsorship deals, global merchandise sales, and the immense commercial value Messi brings could also play a key role in facilitating his return.

Another important factor to consider is the sentimental aspect of Messi’s connection with Barcelona. His departure from the club in 2021, due to financial limitations and the club's inability to meet La Liga's salary cap regulations, was an emotional one. Messi himself has often expressed his love for the club and the city of Barcelona, where he grew up both professionally and personally. While Messi’s time in MLS has been successful, with his performance on the field and his impact off it, it’s clear that Barcelona still holds a special place in his heart. His desire to retire at the club where he made history could be a motivating factor in his decision not to renew his contract with Inter Miami.

Moreover, by 2026, Messi will be 39 years old, and his playing time may be limited. Barcelona could offer him a role as a player with a reduced schedule, perhaps in a more ambassadorial capacity, helping to guide younger players and contribute to the team’s strategy in a less physically demanding manner. Given Messi's football intelligence, vision, and leadership, such a role could allow him to continue contributing to Barcelona's success without the intense pressure of being the team’s primary star. Additionally, it would provide an opportunity for Barcelona to honor their greatest player and ensure his legacy remains intact at the club.

Barcelona’s management under President Joan Laporta has also been instrumental in fostering an environment where Messi could realistically return. Laporta has always expressed his desire to bring Messi back to the club, and with the club’s future stability, his words might soon turn into actions. While Barcelona’s focus is currently on rebuilding and stabilizing the team after several years of transition, a reunion with Messi would undoubtedly bring emotional and financial benefits, adding a sense of continuity to the team’s future.

Furthermore, Messi’s role in growing the MLS and his influence on football in the United States could also influence his decision. While he has enjoyed life in Miami, the competitive nature of MLS might not fully satisfy his ambitions, especially as he nears the end of his playing career. A return to Europe, particularly to a club with Barcelona’s history, could offer Messi the competitive environment he has always thrived in.

In conclusion, the possibility of Lionel Messi not renewing his contract with Inter Miami and returning to Barcelona in 2026 is certainly plausible. Several factors, including Barcelona's improving financial situation, Messi’s sentimental attachment to the club, and his evolving role as a player, could make this reunion a reality. While the situation remains fluid and full of uncertainties, one thing is clear: the idea of Messi returning to Barcelona, even in a reduced role, is a dream that many fans and football enthusiasts would love to see come true.


Luis Antonio Zamora

Luis Antonio Zamora

Mi pasión al futbol me llevó involucrarme con los medios de comunicación desde hace 12 años, lapso en el que he podido cubrir con diferentes eventos de talla nacional e internacional. Desde que estaba por terminar la licenciatura en medios de comunicación, ya estaba involucrado en programas de radio y prensa escrita. Ingresé a Alvia Media en el 2022 y desde entonces mi perspectiva se enfocó en ofrecer contenido oportuno para los aficionados, esos que se apasionan en cada partido de su equipo, de...


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