Lionel Messi Happy at Inter Miami – But MLS Retirement Plans Remain Uncertain

Family life, brand ventures and Club World Cup duties are keeping Messi settled, but no new contract has been signed yet

In the sun-soaked city of Miami, Lionel Messi has seemingly found peace. A stark contrast to his emotionally challenging two years at Paris Saint-Germain, his life in the United States alongside wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children has brought much-needed stability. Yet, even amid the palm trees, Major League Soccer stardom and international adoration, there’s one question still hanging in the Florida air: Will Messi retire at Inter Miami?

A Contract Running Down

Messi’s current deal with Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of the 2025 MLS season — the agreement he signed when making his high-profile move from Paris to the States in the summer of 2023. While the contract does include an option for a 12-month extension that would carry him through to the 2026 World Cup, that clause has not yet been activated.

Despite hopeful messaging from the Inter Miami camp, there is no “firm agreement” in place regarding Messi’s long-term future. There remains optimism that he will stay, but this is Messi — a player who has surprised us before. From an emotional departure from Barcelona to a sudden exit from PSG, nothing can ever be fully taken for granted when it comes to the Argentine superstar.

The Messi Family Are “Happy” – And That Matters

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

According to renowned journalist Guillem Balague, Messi’s current contentment is heavily rooted in his family’s well-being. Speaking to the BBC, Balague gave insight into the mindset of the Messi household, explaining:

“After an unhappy two-year stay in Paris, on a personal level, the Messi family are in a good place in Miami. If his family are happy, then so is Messi.”

This is more than just sentiment. Antonela Roccuzzo has firmly planted herself in the American lifestyle, now representing Tiffany & Co. in the U.S. and maintaining her longstanding partnership with Adidas. Meanwhile, Messi’s three sons are thriving in Inter Miami’s youth academy, with the World Cup winner often spotted pitchside supporting them during their matches.

It’s a picture of domestic bliss that was sorely missing in Paris. Messi may not be the type to live out his career chasing only titles and trophies anymore — family and lifestyle are now clearly priorities, and Miami is delivering both.

No Final Decision – Yet

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Despite the happiness off the pitch, Messi’s long-term commitment to Inter Miami remains undecided. As Balague points out, discussions are ongoing:

“Those close to him say that they are in talks to extend his stay at the club. He has a contract until the end of the year, although to date they have yet to hammer out a firm agreement on an extension.”

That ambiguity opens the door — even if just slightly — to the possibility that Messi’s final chapter may not be written in MLS. Speculation has persisted about a romantic return to Newell’s Old Boys, the club where it all began for him in Rosario. Though he’s previously downplayed that idea, football has a way of surprising us.

Balague concluded with a pointed reminder:

“In principle, this will be the club where he will end his playing career, although football constantly shows us that nothing should ever be taken for granted.”

Club World Cup Duties Come First

For now, Messi is focused on more immediate matters: leading Inter Miami at the FIFA Club World Cup. The Herons are preparing for a blockbuster last-16 showdown against Paris Saint-Germain, the Champions League winners and Messi’s former club. The reunion adds a layer of intrigue to what is already a historic moment for Miami — their debut on the global stage.

Messi’s influence, both on and off the pitch, has been instrumental in elevating Inter Miami from fledgling franchise to internationally recognised brand. His arrival didn’t just boost ticket sales and shirt revenue — it changed the entire perception of MLS as a competitive and attractive league for international stars.

A strong showing in the Club World Cup could act as the perfect backdrop for announcing a new deal. But if results don’t go their way, it may also nudge Messi toward reassessing his future. Either way, all signs suggest a decision is imminent.

Retirement in the U.S.? Still a Possibility — But Not a Guarantee

At 36, with a World Cup and a Copa América already in his trophy cabinet, Messi has little left to prove. The 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, still looms large — and staying in MLS through then would offer both practical and emotional benefits. The league’s calendar, lower physical demands, and family-friendly base would allow him to arrive in optimal condition.

Still, the allure of finishing his playing career in Argentina or even dabbling in one last European challenge cannot be completely ruled out.

Final Thoughts: The Ball Is In Messi’s Court

Whether Messi signs on for another year in Miami or not, his time in the MLS has already had a transformative impact — not just on Inter Miami, but on football in the U.S. as a whole. He’s helped validate the league in a way no other international star has done before.

But this is not just about contracts or trophies. It’s about legacy, family, and life after the game. For now, Messi is at peace in Miami, and maybe — just maybe — that’s enough to keep him there.

Still, until pen meets paper, the world will keep watching and wondering: Will Lionel Messi truly hang up his boots in MLS? Or is there one more surprise left in the GOAT’s story?