Lionel Messi's hidden contract clause that could break Inter Miami fans' heart | OneFootball

Inter Miami did their homework. David Beckham and the Mas brothers reached an agreement with Lionel Messi to extend his contract for three more seasons, until 2028. This is a crucial step for Inter Miami’s future if they want to remain competitive in the years to come.

With Jordi Alba’s and Sergio Busquets' retirement news , Inter Miami will lose two essential players on the squad. With the first playoff win against Nashville SC, the Herons need to keep Lionel Messi as happy as possible to keep his momentum.

Even though Inter Miami fans should be over the moon for Messi’s renewal, there is a hidden clause that could not be to their liking.

Lionel Messi could be playing his last season in 2026

Four days ago, Lionel Messi made it official: his link with the city of Miami will continue until 2028. However, in the many paragraphs of that deal, there is a clause that allows Messi to decide his future.

I won’t call it a miracle, but the fact that the Heron's captain continues to play the sport after winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina is something to praise. Everyone thought he would arrive in the MLS to relax and enjoy his last moments of football.

That was not the case; in his year in the US, Messi won the Supporters’ Shield, Leagues Cup, and an MLS MVP trophy all with more than 35 years; not to mention  he won a Ballon d’Or.

Today, the GOAT of the sport is focused on winning the MLS Cup with Inter Miami. The Herons won their first playoff game against Nashville, and now they are preparing for what will be game two of the series.

Now that we have established the presence of Messi with the pink shirt, let’s talk about this clause and what could happen.

As every official MLS and Inter Miami page said, the former FC Barcelona player will play at the Miami Freedom Park until 2028. Nevertheless, in his contract, Inter Miami set a year-to-year clause- meaning Messi will decide at the end of each season whether to continue playing for Inter Miami or not.

That’s why I say the 2026 season could be Messi’s last in professional football. Consider this: if La Pulga participates in the World Cup, regardless of the outcome, he might choose to finish out the season with the Herons and then retire from professional football.

According to his contract, this scenario is entirely possible, and I believe it is likely to happen. With his close friends retiring and having achieved everything in the sport, Messi may decide it is time to conclude his remarkable career.