Lionel Messi close to making crucial decision on soccer future as Inter Miami contact nears end

Lionel Messi's time at the forefront of Major League Soccer appears to set for another stint, as the living legend is reportedly close to signing a contract extension with Inter Miami. 

Messi has been the league's biggest star since his signing was announced in July 2023, as his arrival has given the sport a boost in the US ahead of next year's World Cup. 

And he now looks set to continue to live under the spotlight as a new multi-year deal between the World Cup winner and the Herons is expected to be finalized soon, per ESPN.

Reports had surfaced in recent months that Messi might be looking for a move back to Europe for a higher level competition once his contract expires at the end of the MLS season. 

Rumors also swirled that the 38-year-old was looking to return to his native Argentina ahead of what is likely his final World Cup next summer. 

Yet, it now seems that the former Barcelona star will continue to play his club soccer in the primary host country for the 2026 extravaganza. 

Messi's impact in South Florida has been nearly inconceivable, helping Inter Miami win the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup trophy just weeks after his debut, in the annual summer competition also involving Liga MX teams. 

The Herons also set the league record for most points in a single season in 2024. This season, Messi is Miami's leading scorer with 28 goals. 

Messi is the second-leading goal scorer in all of MLS, with 20 tallies in league play, only behind Nashville SC's Sam Surridge. 

By signing a multiple-year deal, it is likely Messi will retire as a Heron, as he will be older than 40 when his second American contract is up.  

Inter Miami is currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings, nine points clear of falling out of the playoff race.