Messi on the move? Inter Miami’s seismic defeat could spell the end for Leo
Lionel Messi’s adventure at Inter Miami could soon be coming to an end, with head coach Tata Martino admitting that he does not know if the Argentine will be with the club next season.
Messi’s side were dumped out of the MLS play-offs on Saturday as they were defeated by Atlanta United in a loss that has been touted as the “biggest upset in the history” of the competition.
It marks the end of the World Cup winner’s first complete season in MLS – but could it also be his last?
Martino admits that he’s in the dark over the future of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
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Lionel Messi
F (R)
Inter Miami
Lionel Messi
F (R)
Inter Miami
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€10.6M – €17.7M
“I actually don’t know how limited [Messi’s time in this league] is,” the 37-year-old told the media.
“There is a question of time passing, but I would not dare to say that it is so short. If you look at the context in which this began, it seems to me that the progress of the club is important.
“The comparison of the last game of last season, back in October, with today’s third game in the playoffs and this bitterness that we all have for not having progressed, is clear that the club’s objectives have been modified and I think there is no reason for the club not to continue trying next year.
“What happened this year, the bad and the good in general have been better than everything that happened last year and I would say even from the entire life of the club.”
Messi likely to stay put
Messi, who is under contract until December 2025, has a couple of major carrots dangled in front of him by staying another season at Inter Miami.
Firstly, there is the prospect of the Club World Cup next summer, which will take place in the US and which his side will be part of.
Secondly, there are rumours that Neymar could be on his way to David Beckham’s franchise, and while the logistics of this appear to be impossible, Inter Miami have history of making such spectacular deals happen. A third career hookup with his former Barcelona teammate could, therefore, be appealing.
Messi, on the other hand, has made it clear that he wants to end his career at Newell’s Old Boys back in his homeland.
