Logo en.madrid-barcelona.com
En.madrid-barcelona.com en Español
Logo Facebook
Soccer player with a serious expression in front of the FC Barcelona and Newell's Old Boys crests on a blue background

Neither Barça nor Newell's, Leo Messi already has a team for 2026: 'He'll play for...'

Despite the rumors coming from Argentina, Messi's future is far from FC Barcelona or Newell's

At 38 years old, rumors about a possible change of scenery for Leo Messi ahead of next season have gained momentum. His contract with Inter Miami ends on December 31, and, looking ahead to the next World Cup, he would be seeking a more competitive environment. This is what was discovered just a few days ago in Argentina, putting on the table the possibilities of returning to Barça or heading to Newell's Old Boys.

However, the latest reports are clear on the matter, completely ruling out this scenario and revealing which team he will play for in 2026.

Soccer player wearing an FC Barcelona uniform and a captain's armband during a match
Messi won't return to Barça | Getty Images

Leo Messi will renew with Inter Miami

In recent hours, "Mundo Deportivo" has revealed that there are negotiations between Inter Miami and Leo Messi to extend his current contract. Everything is underway and both parties intend to reach an agreement that would mean extending his contract. Both Messi and his family are comfortable in Miami and have no intention of leaving, wanting to finish his career there.

The "10" is the franchise player for Inter Miami and also for MLS, feeling very comfortable there. He believes he is "in an ideal environment" to arrive in the best possible condition for the 2026 World Cup. This will be held in the United States and will likely be his last major competition with Argentina.

He rejects Saudi Arabia again

"Al-Midan Sports", a Saudi Arabian newspaper, revealed a few days ago that Messi's future was being discussed. There was a meeting between his father and agent, Jorge Messi, and the president of Al-Hilal, Fahd bin Nafel. The latter is in the United States for the World Cup and wanted to explore firsthand the possibility of the "10" joining his club this summer.

The proposal was clear: one and a half years at Al-Hilal, direct competition for Cristiano Ronaldo, and a net salary of €300 million (300 millones de euros) tax-free for that period.

A player in a pink jersey appears in front of the MLS logo with a background of orange flames.
Leo Messi will continue in MLS | Getty Images, Madrid-Barcelona

Despite this, as he did when he left Paris, Leo Messi has once again rejected a major offer from Saudi Arabia. He simply doesn't see himself living there. He is happy at Inter Miami and doesn't put money first at this stage of his career. He has already earned a lot and believes it isn't worth completely changing his life to move there.

Therefore, despite all the rumors, Leo Messi looks set to continue at Inter Miami. Negotiations for his contract renewal are already underway.