ESPN journalist Leo Paradiso shared insights on the future of 38-year-old Lionel Messi, forward for Inter Miami, whose contract expires in the winter of 2025.
The journalist believes that at this point in his career, Messi understands the importance of managing his workload to be in optimal shape for the 2026 World Cup. According to him, the best conditions for the Argentine can only be ensured at Inter Miami.
Paradiso also mentioned that Messi wants to minimize the risk of injuries, especially muscle-related issues, which have been more frequent lately. He does not intend to overload himself with a busy match schedule before the major tournament to reduce the chance of physical setbacks.
Given these circumstances, Paradiso expects Messi renewing his contract with Inter Miami as the more probable outcome, rather than his transferring to a rival club.
The 2026 World Cup will take place for the first time in three countries: the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
It’s worth noting that Messi was part of the Argentina national team that won the World Cup in 2022, held in Qatar.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023. Since then, he has scored 50 goals and provided 24 assists in 63 matches across all competitions for the US club.
