Lionel Messi revolutionized soccer in the US when he joined Inter Miami in 2023, drawing unprecedented consideration to the game. Now, the MLS membership is reportedly planning to increase Messi’s contract, but in addition permitting him to return to Europe and assist Argentina nationwide staff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi’s present contract with Inter Miami runs by December 2025. At 37 years outdated, the Argentine legend stays a pivotal determine for each membership and nation. To make sure he stays at peak efficiency, Inter Miami is getting ready a suggestion that goes past monetary incentives, incorporating enjoying situations tailor-made to his wants.
In keeping with Marca, Inter Miami plans to supply Messi a deal extending by December 2026. A key clause would grant him the choice to hitch a European membership on a short-term mortgage for the ultimate months of 2025 and early 2026. This might enable Messi to stay match-fit for the World Cup, which begins on June 11, 2026.
Such a transfer would profit each Messi and Inter Miami. The MLS common season concludes in October (excluding playoffs) and doesn’t restart till late February or early March. This prolonged break from aggressive matches might hinder Messi’s health as he prepares for what could also be one of many largest challenges of his profession: defending the World Cup title with Argentina.
For Messi, the potential mortgage deal might present the right stability between remaining sharp for the World Cup and fulfilling his commitments with Inter Miami. Whereas the logistics could also be complicated, this association would mirror a technique seen with MLS legends who efficiently bridged their seasons with European loans.
Following the footsteps of legends
A short European stint could seem uncommon, with Messi doubtless obtainable for less than 8–9 matches at most. Nevertheless, related offers have been struck previously with different MLS stars looking for to remain sharp through the offseason.
One of many earliest examples was USMNT legend and LA Galaxy participant Landon Donovan. In 2008, Donovan skilled with Bayern Munich earlier than signing a short-term mortgage cope with the German membership, enjoying seven Bundesliga matches through the MLS offseason. He later made two related strikes to Everton in 2010 and 2012, the place he appeared in 22 video games, contributing two objectives and 9 assists throughout each spells.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham adopted an analogous path, securing two loans to AC Milan from LA Galaxy in 2009 and 2010. Nevertheless, Beckham’s prolonged stays in Italy brought about controversy, as he delayed his return to LA Galaxy till the Serie A season concluded, irritating followers in Los Angeles.
Different notable examples embody Thierry Henry, who rejoined Arsenal from the New York Pink Bulls in 2012, scoring two objectives in seven video games. Robbie Keane moved from LA Galaxy to Aston Villa in 2012, tallying three objectives in seven matches. Clint Dempsey, in the meantime, returned to Fulham from the Seattle Sounders for seven video games through the 2014 offseason, although he didn’t register a aim contribution.
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