Messi's future been under speculation as he's delayed extending his contract, but Miami are reportedly confident he will re-sign

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• Inter Miami confident Messi will extend contract
• Reportedly has interest from the Middle East
• Messi motivated by attracting new fans to MLS

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite widespread speculation over Lionel Messi's future, Inter Miami are reportedly confident that they will be able to extend the eight-time Ballon D'Or winner's stay in MLS.

  Talk about Messi potentially leaving Inter Miami has increased since the Herons' exit from the Club World Cup, with various outlets suggesting he's considering opportunities in South America or Saudi Arabia. Miami reportedly offered the 38-year-old Messi a new contract in April, but he has yet to sign the deal.

  According to the BBC, Inter Miami believe they remain in pole position to keep Messi in MLS. They are also buoyed by the fact Messi is reportedly guaranteed an ownership stake in the club, with reports suggesting it could be as high as 35 percent of the franchise.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With Inter Miami's valuation having doubled since Messi's arrival, ballooning to nearly $1.2 billion, there are significant financial incentives for the forward. The BBC reports that Messi is motivated by the fact that he continues to draw new fan interest in the league, which in turn will continue to increase the franchise value.

  The report also indicated that Messi will retire from international duty after Argentina's potential World Cup title defense next year. That could potentially extend his playing days as well, with Inter Miami set to open its new stadium, Freedom Park, in the Spring of 2026.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Messi has been dominant in his time with Miami, dropping 31 goals and 22 assists in 38 league appearances. He was named MLS MVP last season.

• WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

  Inter Miami will now refocus on the MLS season after being eliminated from the Club World Cup, 4-0, by PSG on Sunday. They will resume league play on July 5 against struggling CF Montreal.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News