In a stunning development that is sure to excite soccer fans around the world, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has boldly declared his unwavering conviction that global superstar Lionel Messi will extend his stay with the club beyond his current contract, which is set to expire at the end of the 2025 MLS season. The news comes as a massive boost for the ambitious South Florida club, which has already reaped the benefits of having the Argentine icon on their roster.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in July 2023, has been nothing short of sensational since his arrival, notching an impressive 21 goals and 17 assists in just 21 MLS appearances during the 2024 campaign. His presence has not only elevated the team’s performance on the pitch but has also brought unprecedented global attention to the club and the league as a whole.
Inter Miami’s Trophy Ambitions with Messi
Speaking to the media on Friday, Jorge Mas exuded confidence when discussing Messi’s future with the Herons. “Messi is under contract through 2025, Leo and I will sit and discuss the future,” he stated, before adding, “As I have said before, and I will repeat it now: I fully expect that in the opening of our new stadium in 2026 and the opening of our 2026 MLS season after a trophy-laden 2025 season, that Leo Messi will be our number 10.”
The co-owner’s bold proclamation underscores the club’s lofty ambitions and their desire to keep the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner as the centerpiece of their project. Messi’s impact on Inter Miami’s success was evident in the 2024 season, as he spearheaded the team’s charge to the Supporters’ Shield and helped them set a new league record for most points in a single season.
Transition to Miami Freedom Park
As Inter Miami prepares to move from their temporary home at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale to the state-of-the-art Miami Freedom Park in 2026, securing Messi’s continued commitment to the club is undoubtedly a top priority. The prospect of the Argentine maestro leading the team into their new stadium is a tantalizing one for fans and a testament to the club’s determination to establish itself as a powerhouse in MLS and beyond.
Coaching Changes and Roster Reinforcements
The news of Messi’s potential extension comes amidst significant changes in Inter Miami’s coaching staff. The club recently confirmed the departure of head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino due to personal reasons, with sources indicating that Argentina U-20 and U-23 coach Javier Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi’s, is set to take the reins.
As Inter Miami gears up for the 2025 season, Jorge Mas emphasized the club’s commitment to assembling the strongest possible roster to compete across multiple fronts, including the Concacaf Champions League, Club World Cup, and Leagues Cup. “There is pressure here to win, and that pressure is going to continue. We expect it of ourselves, our coaches and players,” he asserted.
“We are going to use every single roster mechanism given to us by the league to build the best roster we can to compete in 2025… There are no budget limitations. We are going to bring the best players we can from anywhere in the world, and we will continue winning and building this club to be a premier football team.”
– Jorge Mas, Inter Miami co-owner
With negotiations ongoing to secure the return of key players like Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami appears poised to mount a serious challenge on all fronts in the coming years. However, the crown jewel in their ambitious project remains Lionel Messi, whose continued presence and leadership could propel the club to even greater heights.
As the soccer world eagerly awaits official confirmation of Messi’s contract extension, one thing is clear: Inter Miami is determined to become a dominant force in MLS and beyond, with the Argentine superstar leading the charge. The prospect of Messi gracing the pitch at Miami Freedom Park in 2026 is a tantalizing one, and if Jorge Mas’s bold prediction comes to fruition, it could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the club’s history.
