Report claims Messi might end up playing for Inter Miami CF

(MIAMI) Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the best soccer players of all time, is reaching the end of his contract with FC Barcelona on June 30th. Still, optimism reigns regarding Messi's renewal. The president of the Catalan club, Joan Laporta, has publicly assured that the matter is "on the right track."

A report out of Spain, details the proposed Barcelona contract for Messi would include:

• Two more seasons with Barcelona
• Two seasons with Inter Miami CF
• Six additional years in an off-field role as a Barça global ambassador

Lionel Messi of Barcelona during the warm-up before the La Liga Santander match on May 11, 2021Getty Images

The numbers for Messi's possible contract are relatively clear: €240 million net across four seasons.

If Messi's renewal for the next two seasons finally takes place, it would open the door to the idea that Messi would play in the United States for the 2023-24 season before returning to the Barça club. In December of last year, Messi told Spanish TV station La Sexta: "I would like to play in the United States and experience life and the league there, but ultimately come back to Barcelona in some capacity."

Messi is the top scorer in the history of the Spanish "La Liga" and is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, according to Forbes. That being so, could the MLS afford a Messi contract?

A general view of Inter Miami CF supporters in the standsGetty Images

While his high-priced salary might be a difficult hurdle, MLS can offer Messi an ownership stake in one of its clubs. Similarly, David Beckham was lured to the league during his playing career with the promise of eventually buying his own team at a bargain rate. His playing contract included the option to purchase a new MLS franchise for just $25m when the going rate now is reported to be around $325m. Beckham has since become part owner of Inter Miami.

To add to the speculation, in April, Messi spent $7.3 million to buy the entire ninth floor of a luxury condo in Sunny Isles Beach, just north of Miami Beach.

So, could we see Messi playing in Miami before retiring? Possibly.

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