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In recent times, there have been rumours going around that Lionel Messi may be heading back to Barcelona as his contract with Inter Miami nears its end. However, Lionel Messi has finally provided some clarity on his future in the midst of these speculations.
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is only until the end of this season in December. The rumours of him going back to Barcelona may have intensified but the 37-year-old has ruled out any possibility of a return to his former club.
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He hasn’t clearly mentioned that he will not be coming back, but he iterated how much he likes being at Inter Miami. Speaking to Apple TV, he 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.”
Messi has made it clear that he is content in the United States. He also emphasized that he is not in any hurry to make decisions about his next move. Messi added, “I’ve never been one to think about the future; I’ve always lived day-to-day. I’m not rushing into anything.”
He also said, “I always had it in my mind to play in the MLS. Coming to Inter Miami was an opportunity because of everything that happened in recent years in Paris. I don’t regret it; quite the opposite.” It seems, for now, his future is in Miami, where he is enjoying both football and family life.
The Argentine superstar joined Inter Miami back in July, 2023 and made a significant impact in Major League Soccer since then. Lionel Messi has scored 36 goals and provided 20 assists in 42 appearances in the competition so far. He even helped them win their first ever trophy in his first year.
Messi has been linked with Barcelona consistently since he had to leave the club unexpectedly back in 2021. However, many sources close to him have suggested that a return to Camp Nou is almost impossible at this point.
A major reason for that is his strained relationship with the current Barcelona president Joan Laporta. Reports have indicated previously that as long as Laporta is in charge, Messi will not rejoin the club. Instead, Messi may be thinking of extending his stay in the US.
Several media reports suggest that he could sign a new deal to extend his stay with Inter Miami until 2026. This will be beneficial for him to help maintain his fitness levels ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, which could very well be his last.
