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Lionel Messi revolutionized soccer in america when he joined Inter Miami in 2023, drawing unprecedented consideration to the game. Now, the MLS membership is reportedly planning to increase Messi’s contract, but in addition permitting him to return to Europe and assist Argentina nationwide crew for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi’s present contract with Inter Miami runs by means of December 2025. At 37 years outdated, the Argentine legend stays a pivotal determine for each membership and nation. To make sure he stays at peak efficiency, Inter Miami is getting ready a suggestion that goes past monetary incentives, incorporating enjoying circumstances tailor-made to his wants.
In response to Marca, Inter Miami plans to supply Messi a deal extending by means of December 2026. A key clause would grant him the choice to affix a European membership on a short-term mortgage for the ultimate months of 2025 and early 2026. This may enable Messi to stay match-fit for the World Cup, which begins on June 11, 2026.
Such a transfer would profit each Messi and Inter Miami. The MLS common season concludes in October (excluding playoffs) and doesn’t restart till late February or early March. This prolonged break from aggressive matches might hinder Messi’s health as he prepares for what could also be one of many greatest challenges of his profession: defending the World Cup title with Argentina.
For Messi, the potential mortgage deal might present the right steadiness between remaining sharp for the World Cup and fulfilling his commitments with Inter Miami. Whereas the logistics could also be advanced, this association would mirror a technique seen with MLS legends who efficiently bridged their seasons with European loans.
Following the footsteps of legends
A short European stint could appear uncommon, with Messi probably out there for under 8–9 matches at most. Nonetheless, comparable offers have been struck up to now with different MLS stars searching for to remain sharp throughout the offseason.
One of many earliest examples was USMNT legend and LA Galaxy participant Landon Donovan. In 2008, Donovan skilled with Bayern Munich earlier than signing a short-term mortgage cope with the German membership, enjoying seven Bundesliga matches throughout the MLS offseason. He later made two comparable strikes to Everton in 2010 and 2012, the place he appeared in 22 video games, contributing two targets and 9 assists throughout each spells.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham adopted an identical path, securing two loans to AC Milan from LA Galaxy in 2009 and 2010. Nonetheless, Beckham’s prolonged stays in Italy induced controversy, as he delayed his return to LA Galaxy till the Serie A season concluded, irritating followers in Los Angeles.
Different notable examples embrace Thierry Henry, who rejoined Arsenal from the New York Purple Bulls in 2012, scoring two targets in seven video games. Robbie Keane moved from LA Galaxy to Aston Villa in 2012, tallying three targets in seven matches. Clint Dempsey, in the meantime, returned to Fulham from the Seattle Sounders for seven video games throughout the 2014 offseason, although he did not register a purpose contribution.
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