Messi Decides to Stay at Inter Miami

Lionel Messi has chosen to remain with Inter Miami, with no talks under way about a return to Newell's Old Boys.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Soccer

Lionel Messi has decided to remain at Inter Miami, and no negotiations are under way for him to return to Newell's Old Boys. Fabrizio Romano confirmed Messi has no plans to leave Inter Miami or move to Newell's Old Boys on loan.

Why it matters

Messi's decision keeps one of the sport's most prominent players in the United States through at least 2028, when his current contract expires. Messi and his family report feeling very happy in Miami.

Messi led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024, following his July 2023 move from Paris Saint-Germain. His current contract, extended in October 2025, runs until the end of the 2028 MLS season, and any further extension beyond that date remains unannounced.

The players

Lionel Messi

Argentine forward widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, who has played for Newell's Old Boys, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.

Inter Miami CF

Major League Soccer club based in Miami, Florida, which signed Messi in 2023 and extended his contract in 2025.

Newell's Old Boys

Argentine club based in Rosario, where Messi joined the youth academy at age seven.

The details

Messi's contract with Inter Miami runs until 2028 at the earliest. Romano confirmed Messi's focus is on completing his current contract rather than any move back to Argentina.

Age seven: Messi joined the Newell's Old Boys academy in Rosario.
Age 13: Messi left Argentina for Barcelona.
Summer 2023: Messi joined Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain.
October 2025: Inter Miami extended Messi's contract through 2028.

Season Trajectory

Messi's 2023 move from Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Miami reshaped the Major League Soccer landscape and brought global attention to the league. His decision to remain extends that chapter, keeping the club's marquee player central to MLS competitive and commercial prospects through at least 2028.

Messi's contract at Inter Miami runs through 2028, so the club's roster stability and marquee presence are set for the near term. Fans and fantasy managers can expect Messi to remain in MLS rather than return to Argentina.

The takeaway

Messi's decision to stay in Miami confirms that a player's stated happiness and family life can outweigh a return to a childhood club. Readers following MLS should note that his contract timeline is now set through 2028.