After months of speculation, Lionel Messi has made a decision about his future. His choice will keep him away from European soccer and allow him to prepare for his last major international event: the 2026 World Cup.
Since his departure from FC Barcelona in 2021, Messi's name has always been linked to a possible return. The Catalan club's fans have held onto the hope that the Argentine star would wear the blue and red jersey again, but the reality has been very different. Although emotionally it seemed like a possibility, in sports and economic terms it was practically impossible.
A Painful Departure from Barça
His departure was marked by tensions with the management, broken promises, and a series of financial problems that prevented his renewal. With Joan Laporta at the helm of the club, relations never fully recovered, and this has been decisive in ruling out any option of a return.
The personal factor has also weighed in his decision. Since his arrival in the United States, Messi has found a stable environment for both himself and his family.
Peace in the United States
After more than two decades in Europe, he has prioritized peace over the demands of the major leagues. Life in Miami offers him a balance that in Barcelona, with constant expectations and comparisons, would be difficult to achieve.
Another key aspect has been the planning of his career with an eye on the 2026 World Cup. At this point, his goal is to stay in shape without the physical strain of competing in Europe.
The MLS, with its more flexible schedule and lower intensity of play, will allow him to arrive in optimal conditions for what will likely be his last World Cup. It's a well-thought-out strategy, in which his continuity at Inter Miami plays an essential role.
Decision Made
According to recent reports, Messi has decided to renew his contract with Inter Miami until 2026. The American franchise has offered him a deal that goes beyond the financial. It not only ensures a millionaire salary but also includes strategic benefits like involvement in the team's expansion and commercial agreements with major brands.
Since his arrival, he has completely changed the perception of soccer in the United States, becoming the most important figure in the league. His impact has been immediate, not only at the sports level but also in attracting sponsors and in the growth of soccer in the country.
For FC Barcelona fans, the news marks the definitive end of an era. Although his story with the club will be eternal, the dream of seeing him again at Camp Nou has been ruled out.
His departure in 2021 was a hard blow for the fans, and although many held onto the hope of a return. His continuity in the MLS makes it clear that his time in Europe has ended.
Barça Left Without Hope
Barcelona, which for years was his home, will remain a special place for Messi, but his present and future are elsewhere. The MLS has achieved what many European clubs could not. Offer him a project where he feels comfortable, without pressure, and with the freedom to plan his retirement on his own terms.
American soccer, which for a long time was seen as a minor league, has managed to attract one of the greatest legends of the sport. With his presence, the MLS has gained international recognition, and his influence will be felt for many years. Messi is not only building his future but also helping to transform soccer in an expanding market.
Messi's next big challenge will be the 2026 World Cup. With a World Cup to be played in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, his decision to stay in the MLS makes even more sense.
His preparation will be focused on arriving in the best possible condition, without the physical wear and tear that playing in European leagues entails. It will be the last great opportunity for the Argentine star to shine again on the world's most important soccer stage.
For fans, this decision closes one chapter and opens another. Although many would have wanted one last dance with Barcelona, Messi has charted his own path. His legacy at the Catalan club is undeniable, but now his story continues to be written in the United States.