ESPN: Miami International and Messi are still in talks to extend contracts that expire at the end of the year

According to ESPN, sources revealed that Miami International and Messi are still in talks to extend the contract that expires in December 2025.

Despite recent reports linking Messi with clubs in other leagues, both Miami International and Messi are still interested in renewing their contracts.

Messi signed a contract with Miami International in July 2023 to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract. Jorge Mas, co-owner of Miami International, told ESPN last month that the team will take all necessary measures to ensure Messi will remain at the club in the future and be cautiously optimistic about renewal.

Miami plans to launch the new Miami Liberty Park Stadium in time before the 2026 season.

Jorge Maas said: "I said before that my wish, my dream is to open our new stadium in March. It depends on Messi's decision. We hope Messi will end his career here. I said a few months ago that we should get the news in the summer, but hope it will be better."

"But I'm optimistic because we have done everything we can to make Messi feel at home and comfortable. I have always said that he is a very competitive player and he wants to win. I hope we can be here in the next few years, at Miami International, and hold many trophies together. We are here, waiting to announce good news about Messi to the fans."

Messi contributed 31 goals and 22 assists in 38 major league regular season games and won the 2024 Most Valuable Player Award. Messi also scored 7 goals and 2 assists in the 9 Central and North American and Caribbean Champions League matches in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Miami International coach Mascherano said he did not talk to Messi about his contract with the club, but focused the conversation on the game.

Mascherano said: "No, I'm not involved in those matters. What we're talking about about the Club World Cup is that we played well except for the last game, we played hard, we competed hard, we completed the task. We had hoped to do it. Sometimes football will give you a chance, sometimes not."