Lionel Messi has already made his mind up over where he intends to go next with his time at Inter Miami drawing closer to the end.
The Argentine was the MLS franchise’s superstar signing in the summer of 2023 after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired.
But his terms at Inter will come to an end in December 2025, meaning he has until the end of next year to remain in the United States.
And hope of an extension has already been snuffed out with the 37-year-old already making a decision on his next club.
Lionel Messi already has his sights set on his next club
REUTERS
According to El Nacional, Messi is set to complete a long-term promise by returning to boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner came up through the famous La Masia academy at Barcelona, where he made his name as one of the best players of all time.
But before Barca got their hands on him, Messi had knocked around a ball for Newell’s Old Boys before leaving for Europe at the age of 13.
The World Cup winner has always considered a return to be the ideal end to his glittering career, which appears to be his plan as his time on the pitch appears to draw closer to an end.
Speaking to El Planeta Urbano in 2016, he said: “If I go back to Argentina tomorrow, which I would love, the club I would play for would be Newell’s.”
Messi has only recently made his return from injury after two months out with an ankle injury.
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As Argentina won the Copa America over the summer, the veteran forward was crocked in the final as Lautaro Martinez’s extra-time goal led them to glory.
But on his return, Messi made up for lost time in rapid fashion as he scored twice in 30 minutes in a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union.
It has taken his tally to an impressive 14 in the MLS, which saw him break an incredible record in the process.
Lionel Messi wants to return to Newell’s Old Boys
REUTERS
Meanwhile, co-owner David Beckham has opened up on how he convinced Messi to join his side.
“All he was interested in is a place where his family could come enjoy and have a great life,” the Manchester United legend said.
“That was really important for Leo. I mean, from day one, from the moment he put his foot down in Miami, it’s been a dream, honestly.”
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Lionel Messi has been a hit at Inter Miami
“Everybody’s got their opinion on who they think is the best player of all time – whether it be Diego Maradona, Pele, all of these great players.
“But to say that we have in the MLS, in Miami, the greatest player to play the game, it’s just like a dream, you know?
“It’s a dream every time that I’m there. If I go for the whole of the summer, which I went for four weeks this summer, I go into training every single day because, personally, I can’t believe we’ve got Leo.
“Secondly, I just want to watch what he does. And that’s a special thing for us.”