It’s been a rough season for Inter Miami.

And it might get slightly worse as their star player Lionel Messi is out of contract this year and negotiations about a new deal have stalled, according to reports.

Messi had a blunt response to a question about his contractCredit: Getty

When David Beckham brokered a deal that saw Messi join the club in 2023, he went on to lead the team to their best ever season, as they finished atop of the Eastern Conference.

However, this season, performances and results have significantly dipped.

Inter Miami, led by new manager Javier Mascherano, are fifth in the Eastern Conference with 22 points from 13 games.

They are left with a record of six wins and four draws, and with Messi’s contract situation headlining every game, the story is following the club and the players.
The four-time Champions League winner’s $20million deal expires this December, and ESPN journalist Diego Monroig has provided an update on his future.

“The negotiations started in November, it still exists, but it’s stalled right now due to details and conditions,” he posted on X.

“The intention is to make use of the option for one more year so that Messi can stay at Inter Miami while preparing for the next World Cup.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place in the USA, and Messi looks set to compete in the tournament.

Therefore, the best preparation for tournament will come from playing regular club football, Miami provides that and in the country that will co host.

With the Club World Cup also on the horizon, the focus should be on the field, but after Miami’s 3–0 loss to Orlando City, he simply replied, ‘No’ when questioned about negotiations.

Messi has cut a dejected figure in recent weeks as Miami are in a slumpCredit: AFP

Messi signed for Beckham’s Inter Miami in 2023Credit: instagram

His manager and former teammate Mascherano has made no secret about his desire to keep the 2022 World Cup winner at the club.

“Hopefully, in a few weeks we can have some news about Leo. I think it will be very, very important for the club, the fans, and for MLS,” he told reporters.

It remains to be seen what a new Messi deal will look like, the Argentinian penned a record-breaking deal with his previous contract in 2023.

Last year, he earned $20.4 million in total compensation, a stunning figure that does not include any performance bonuses.

It also doesn’t include the agreement he had with Apple TV, which is a revenue-sharing deal with the streaming service.

This reportedly brought in $50 million for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner last year.

All in all, Messi’s 2 1/2 year deal with Inter Miami is worth up to $150 million according to reports, an unprecedented amount in the MLS.

However, his club and fans will be satisfied with the impact the football icon has had on their side.

Aside from the increased media value, he has impressed on the field, racking up 44 goals and 21 assists in 56 appearances.

He has also led them to the Supporters’ Shield last season and the Leagues Cup in 2023.