Lionel Messi Becomes Free Agent, Sparking Transfer Speculation Beyond Inter Miami
Lionel Messi is now officially a free agent despite his contract with Inter Miami running until the end of 2025. Under FIFA rules, since July 1, the Argentine captain is allowed to negotiate and sign a pre-contract with any club without requiring a transfer fee for Inter Miami, putting the MLS club at financial risk.
Messi’s presence has significantly boosted revenue for Inter Miami and MLS overall, with ticket sales surging at DRV PNK Stadium and a sharp rise in Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass subscriptions. Sponsorship deals with major brands such as Apple, Adidas, and Visa have also soared, highlighting the financial impact of having Messi in the league.
The free agent status means Messi can secure a contract with another team six months before his current deal expires, allowing him to leave without Inter Miami receiving compensation. This situation has raised concerns over the potential \$300 million loss for MLS if Messi decides to depart.
Among potential destinations, a return to Argentina with his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys is increasingly popular among fans, following a recent trend of Argentine stars returning home. Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s management has expressed interest in extending Messi’s stay, especially with the 2026 World Cup set to take place in the United States, making his continued presence strategically important.
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