Lionel Messi has delivered a fresh update on his future at Inter Miami amid speculation that he could make a sensational return to Barcelona.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner joined MLS outfit Inter Miami in July 2023 on a free transfer following a two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain which he “didn’t enjoy”.
At the age of 37, Messi has since made a significant impression in the United States, recording 36 goals and 20 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
The legendary Argentine helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, and his impact last season was recognised with the 2024 MLS MVP award.
Messi has made a bright start to the 2025 campaign, scoring in both legs of Inter Miami’s 4-1 aggregate win over Sporting Kansas City in the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round, either side of providing two assists in a 2-2 MLS draw with New York City FC at the end of last month.
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Messi enjoying life in Miami amid Barca rumours
At a time when Messi has captured the hearts of the American soccer fans, the attacker is facing an uncertain future at Inter Miami as he is due to see his current contract expire at the end of this year.
Recent reports have claimed that Messi was edging closer to a remarkable return to Barcelona, where he spent 17 iconic seasons, scored 672 goals, won 34 trophies and established himself as one of, if not the, greatest players of all time.
A return to Camp Nou has since been deemed ‘impossible’ due to an alleged breakdown in relationship between Messi and Barcelona president Joan Laporta over the way the Argentine’s exit in 2021 was handled.
Nevertheless, rumours with Barcelona continue to linger and Messi has now revealed his stance on his future at Inter Miami as he approaches the end of his contract.
Speaking to Apple TV, Messi said: “I feel very good, enjoying where I am, what I’m doing, day-to-day life, training sessions, matches with my friends and family.
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Messi in ‘no rush’ to make decision on future
“I enjoy going to Argentina. I enjoy things much more than when I was young; I enjoy details that perhaps didn’t matter before.
“I’ve never been one to think about the future; I’ve always lived day-to-day. I’m not rushing into anything.”
“I always had it in my mind to play in the MLS,” Messi added. “I have said it more than once; it was something that caught my attention. Coming to Inter Miami was an opportunity because of everything that happened in recent years in Paris.
“Coming to Inter caught my attention because it was a growing club, and everything was very new. I liked the idea of coming and helping make the club bigger, and I knew it was a city where my family could be well. I don’t regret it; quite the opposite.”
Messi, who allegedly had a base salary of $12m (£9.4m) at Inter Miami for the 2024 campaign, is now focused on his next game in the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Jamaican outfit Cavalier on Friday.
