Leo Messi once again takes center stage in the summer transfer market, as he has so many other times throughout his career. At 38 years old and with a contract until December, his future is once again shrouded in mystery. The elimination of his current club has accelerated talks with several offers.
Although the idea of continuity had taken hold, recent developments place him closer to a radical decision. Speculation about Europe, Arabia, or even one last adventure in Argentina continues to grow. However, only one offer has managed to make him seriously consider his future.
Because this time it's not just about soccer, not even just about money. The proposal on the table is completely different from any other. It's a project that goes far beyond sports and guarantees him a structural future.
An unprecedented contract in world soccer
According to this outlet, Messi's camp has received a two-year contract with an option for a third. The net salary would exceed €78 million ($84.5 million) per year, with bonuses for titles, matches, and individual performance. On top of that, there's a €20 million ($21.7 million) renewal bonus and benefits from image rights.
But the real bomb isn't the salary, but the role being offered to him beyond the field. The club intends to link him to its executive structure with a guaranteed partial shareholding. In other words: Messi wouldn't just be a player, he'd also be part of the club at every level.
In total, the contract could amount to more than €250 million ($270 million) gross over three years, including salary, bonuses, and shares. No other club has even been able to propose such an offer, neither in Europe nor the Middle East. Not even Arabia has gone this far in its latest attempt.
Barça completely out of the race
At FC Barcelona, they observe the situation with nostalgia and resignation. Joan Laporta dreamed of having him at the reopening of the new Camp Nou. But between fair play restrictions and the new sporting project, Messi's return isn't a viable option.
Flick has been clear since his arrival: he wants a young, physical, and competitive team for 90 minutes. As much as Messi remains a difference-maker, he no longer fits into the new Barça's plans. As for the salary, the club hasn't even considered competing.
Moreover, the key phrase still echoes in the club's offices: "Barça can't live in the past." That's why, beyond the tribute being prepared, there won't be a sporting offer. All that's left is to applaud from afar if he ultimately accepts this new challenge.
City wanted him too
Meanwhile, Manchester City also showed strong interest in acquiring Lionel Messi's services. The excellent relationship between the Argentine star and Pep Guardiola fueled the English club's hopes of pulling off a historic signing.
The Catalan coach offered Messi the chance to finish his career at the elite level of European soccer, competing at the highest level and surrounded by a team with great ambitions in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
However, despite the approaches and good intentions on both sides, the deal never materialized. Whether due to personal decisions, contractual circumstances, or sporting strategies, Messi's fate ultimately took a different path, leaving City fans dreaming of what might have been.
A decision that goes beyond soccer
On a family level, Messi is experiencing his most serene moment in years. He has stability, privacy, a routine with his children, and is far from the European media noise. That peace weighs as much as money in any decision he might make.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in North America, this offer also has added value. It guarantees him sporting continuity, media visibility, and an ideal schedule to arrive at the tournament in top form. It's a perfect path toward his last major international appearance.
In fact, his camp already sees this option as the most likely. Unless there's a radical turn of events, everything is set for an imminent signing. The only thing left is to finalize the last fiscal and contractual details.
Indeed, the historic offer Leo Messi has received is from Inter Miami, which isn't willing to lose its biggest star. After revolutionizing MLS since his arrival, the club is now offering him a symbolic lifetime contract that would tie him to the project forever.
The goal is for Messi to be much more than a player: they want him to become an institutional symbol. An emblem, a partner, a global ambassador, and someday, perhaps even a coach or executive. The final answer is near... all signs point to him saying yes.