Lionel Messi faces tight schedule amid contract renewal talks with Inter Miami

Inter Miami are heading into a packed stretch of games just as contract renewal talks with Lionel Messi are heating up—where results could play a key role in the superstar’s decision.

There’s little rest ahead for Lionel Messi. Following Inter Miami’s elimination in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 by Paris Saint–Germain, the MLS side is now under pressure to make up for lost ground in league play—both in terms of postponed fixtures and their current position in the Eastern Conference standings, where they sit sixth.

As contract renewal discussions continue—with Messi’s current deal set to expire in December—the Argentine captain will be thrust into a demanding run of nine matches over the next month. That stretch begins on Saturday, July 5, with a road game against CF Montreal.

The tight MLS schedule continues with a midweek visit to the New England Revolution on July 9, a home matchup against Nashville SC on July 12, a road clash with FC Cincinnati on July 16, a visit to the New York Red Bulls on July 19, and a return home for a rematch with Cincinnati on July 26.

Then comes the Leagues Cup. Even though MLS will take a short break from regular-season action, Inter Miami won’t be resting. They’ll kick off group play with matches against Liga MX sides Atlas on July 30, Necaxa on August 2, and Pumas UNAM on August 6.

While Inter Miami still hold exclusive negotiating rights with Messi, the club’s performance in this upcoming stretch could have an impact on the superstar’s mindset. Messi has made it clear throughout his career: he wants to be part of a competitive team.

Short roster, key injuries complicate task for Mascherano

Head coach Javier Mascherano was unable to bring in the reinforcements he had hoped for ahead of the Club World Cup, and he may now be forced to finish the season with the current roster—a concern given the team’s depth issues and injury list.

As Inter Miami gear up for this demanding run, they’ll be without several key players. Midfielders Yannick Bright and David Ruiz are still recovering from injuries that kept them out of the Club World Cup, while defenders Ian Fray and Noah Allen also picked up knocks during the tournament.

Latest on Messi’s contract situation

Earlier this week, ESPN’s Esteban Edul reported that Messi may be eyeing a new destination ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, like some legends in the MLS did in the past. However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano offered a more grounded update, stating that Inter Miami remain in control of the negotiations and are fully committed to keeping the Argentine legend in South Florida.

“The reality is that both parties are interested in continuing the relationship,” Romano reported. “From there, all the necessary steps must be taken to make it possible. But that is Inter Miami’s position—they remain convinced of building around Lionel Messi in terms of team and roster. That’s the reality, and both sides are on the same page”.

From: bolavip.com