At 37 years old, Lionel Messi still hasn’t had enough. The Argentine is about to sign a contract extension in Miami, which is likely to be seen as a pointer for the 2026 World Cup.
Ending the great career this year? Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi apparently don’t feel like it. The Portuguese is likely to add another year in Saudi Arabia, and the same probably applies to his long-time Argentinean rival.
As with CR7, the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico certainly plays a major role in Messi’s mind games. One wants to finally become world champion for the first time, the other wants to defend “his” title. For “La Pulga”, it would be his sixth appearance at an intercontinental final after 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
It will come as no surprise that Messi will continue to keep in shape in Miami. David Beckham has built an oasis of well-being for the eight-time world footballer, with former teammate Javier Mascherano now on the sidelines alongside teammates like Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
According to media reports, the club is now about to extend the contract of the player, which is currently set to run until December 31, 2025. US sources are reporting that negotiations with Messi are “well advanced”, even though not all the parameters have yet been defined.
Miami’s owner: “Hopefully this will happen”
Jorge Mas, owner of Miami, told FDP Radio Miami earlier this week that “the stars are aligned for something big.” He said his “hope has always been to see Messi play in our new stadium in 2026. Hopefully that will happen.”
In September 2024, Miami announced that it would play its home games in the new Miami Freedom Park starting in the 2026 season. The 25,000-seat stadium is part of a larger 323-acre project that includes a public park, entertainment and dining facilities.
Hopefully, Messi will be there to present the first MLS title in the club’s history in Freedom Park.
