The conclusion was sudden and agonizing. After a shocking defeat in South Florida on Saturday night, the atmosphere in the locker room was heavy. Amidst the aftermath of the biggest upset in Major League Soccer history, a harsh reality dawned: Lionel Messi will head into the last guaranteed year of his MLS contract without a single playoff series win.
Expected to revolutionize the league and Inter Miami, Messi has made an impact in some ways. However, his body let him down in 2023, and Atlanta United surprised him in 2024. As he entered his second MLS offseason with more doubts than optimism, a pressing question lingered: Where do Messi and Inter Miami go from here?
In a way, the answer did not change on Saturday night. They will remain the faces of the league in 2025 and will headline the Club World Cup thanks to FIFA, providing a platform for their global aspirations.
The future, however, hinges on where MLS allows them to go and ultimately, on Messi’s desires for the future.
When Messi signed his two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter and MLS last June, reports suggested an option to extend it through 2026. While the league’s official roster profiles do not list this option year, it is highly likely that Messi will return next season. Alongside him, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez are expected to stay, forming the core of the team.
Other players like goalkeeper Drake Callender, defender Tomás Avilés, and midfielder Julian Gressel, among others, are also under contract for 2025. The club may also decide to retain other key players from the 2024 season.
Despite the recent playoff disappointment, Miami could opt to keep the existing squad intact. They were the dominant force in MLS in 2024, setting a record for regular-season points. While improvements are needed, they cannot make significant changes due to current MLS spending limits.
The hope is that MLS rules could evolve to allow more flexibility in player signings. Messi’s presence has emboldened Inter Miami’s ownership to advocate for rule changes, and discussions are ongoing about potential modifications to the salary cap and player investment model.
The MLS sporting and competition committee is set to convene in November to address these issues, with potential changes possibly approved by the MLS board of governors in December. The outcome of these discussions could shape the future of Messi and Inter Miami in the league. Countdown begins for Inter Miami at the Club World Cup’s global stage
A potential overhaul could bring about significant changes for Messi’s final year(s) in Miami, potentially making them more competitive on the grand stage that MLS has ever seen.
Countdown begins for Miami at Club World Cup’s global stage
The inaugural edition of the expanded Club World Cup is set to take place in the United States next summer, pending FIFA’s ability to secure funding. As part of the strategy to attract broadcasters and sponsors, Inter Miami has been granted the tournament’s one free spot, despite not qualifying through traditional means.
In June, they are expected to face a UEFA Champions League team in a competitive match for the first time.
Potential opponents include Boca Juniors, River Plate, Palmeiras, Flamengo, or Fluminense.
This presents an opportunity for them to showcase their brand on a global stage, solidify Miami as a desirable destination for players and fans even after Messi’s departure.
The 2025 Club World Cup will be the highlight of their season, followed by the usual MLS fixtures, Leagues Cup, and playoff campaign.
Whether Messi’s tenure at Inter Miami will extend beyond 2025 remains uncertain. He has expressed uncertainty about his future in professional soccer, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present.
For now, he is fully committed to serving the Argentina national team and aiming for qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
The upcoming World Cup, to be held across North America, may influence Messi’s decision to prolong his stay at Inter Miami. If he opts out of a full MLS season, there is the possibility of league calendar adjustments post-2025.
Even if he decides to participate in a one-off competition in 2026 as a farewell, his MLS journey will be at its midpoint.
With the clock ticking, both in Miami and at league headquarters, the future holds uncertainty and potential transformation for Inter Miami and its star player.
following sentences using different words:
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2. The movie we watched last night was very boring.
3. I am feeling very tired after a long day at work.
4. She is wearing a beautiful red dress to the party.
5. The food at the restaurant was delicious.