Why this tournament might convince Lionel Messi to stay at Inter Miami | OneFootball

Inter Miami's story with the Leagues Cup isn’t over yet. After losing 3-0 against the Seattle Sounders, the Herons qualified for one of the biggest competitions a North American team can ask for.

Even better, Inter Miami qualified for this prestigious cup after their outstanding 3-1 victory against Orlando City.

You could say that, within the bad, the Herons’ participation in the Leagues Cup is not that terrible.

The team managed to qualify for a competition, serving as what in football terms is called a "consolation prize".

However, they are not the only MLS team that entered this tournament; alongside them are the Sounders and the LA Galaxy.

Inter Miami qualified for the Concachampions 2026

This major trophy already has nine of the 27 participants. Among those teams, you’ll find: Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, Seattle Sounders, Cruz Azul, Club America, Monterrey, Toluca FC, Tigres UANL, and Pumas UNAM.

Why is this cup important for the Herons? This is the first step to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029. The Concachampions give four places: the winners of the 2025 (Cruz Azul), 2026, 2027, and 2028 editions.

If Inter Miami wants to compete at the highest level next year, this should be its priority. This tournament will start on February 3rd and end on May 30th, just before the FIFA World Cup.

Meaning players like Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will have a tight schedule before starting the most important tournament in the sport of football.

Could this be a key factor in persuading Lionel Messi to renew his contract?

Until this moment, there is no sign of a possible contract renewal. However, after the Argentina vs Venezuela match, Lionel Messi gave a hint about this situation.

The Herons’ captain said his focus is on winning the MLS and using the 2026 preseason to prepare for the World Cup.

Knowing that Messi plans to be part of the team at least until the World Cup, the Concachampions should add some spice and rush him to renew his contract sooner rather than later.

Adding that this tournament gives you a chance at the 2026 Intercontinental Cup, where the champions of the different confederations compete in the intercontinental tournament.

This becomes one more reason for Lionel Messi to keep playing with the Herons a little longer. The Argentine forward has already participated in this competition with FC Barcelona.

Furthermore, he won the three editions he participated in (2009, 2011, and 2015).