MX23RW : Thursday, November 21 13:25:39| >> :600:4994040:4994040:

Lionel Messi 'makes decision' on next club ahead of Inter Miami contract expiration

Emotional return: Messi 'makes decision' on next club ahead of Inter Miami exit
© Imago
Lionel Messi is reportedly heading for an emotional return to a former club when his contract with Inter Miami ends at the conclusion of the 2025 season.

Lionel Messi has reportedly decided his next club ahead of his Inter Miami contract expiring in 2025.

The 37-year-old enjoyed a productive summer on the international scene, winning his second Copa America with Argentina during the 2024 tournament hosted in the United States.

Messi picked up an ankle injury in the final success over Colombia and consequently missed two months of action for pacesetters Inter Miami in MLS.

The former Barcelona star returned to the American stage on September 15, bagging a brace and providing an assist as the Herons beat Philadelphia Union 3-1.

Inter Miami are on the verge of winning the Supporters' Shield, sitting six points ahead of second-placed LA Galaxy despite playing a game fewer.

Lionel Messi celebrates a goal for Inter Miami on March 14, 2024© Imago

Messi set for shock return?

According to Spanish publication El Nacional, Messi has already decided his next destination in the footballing world ahead of his inevitable Inter Miami exit.

The report claims that the legendary attacker has opted for an emotional return to his native Argentina, where he will take a trip down memory lane.

It is understood that Messi will ply his trade for Newell's Old Boys, the club where he started his career before leaving for Barcelona at the age of 13.

The World Cup winner will allegedly link up with the Lepers in December 2025, when his current deal at Inter Miami comes to a conclusion.

Messi supposedly feels that the most fitting end to his career would be to finish off at the club where it all started back near the turn of the 21st century.

Lionel Messi, Federico Redondo and Jordi Alba celebrate an Inter Miami goal on September 14, 2024© Imago

Messi still has plenty to offer

Despite turning 37 over the summer, it is clear that Messi still has plenty to offer at the top level of football, as shown by his staggering numbers in 2024.

Regardless of an extended spell on the sidelines due to an ankle injury, the generational talent has netted 14 goals and provided 10 assists in 15 MLS matches for Inter Miami.

Messi could be in action on Saturday night, when Gerardo Martino's Herons host Eastern Conference contenders Charlotte FC at Chase Stadium.

ID:553746:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect3986:

Lionel Messi future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Lionel Messi

Click here for more stories about Newell's Old Boys

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United's Raphael Varane pictured in November 2023
Read Next:
Inter Miami 'line up' Raphael Varane move
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Velez SarsfieldVelez Sarsfield23128335152044
2HuracanHuracan23119327151242
3Racing ClubRacing23124734221240
4River PlateRiver Plate2299430161436
5TalleresTalleres229942622436
6UnionUnion2310672422236
7Atletico TucumanTucuman2310672524136
8Boca Juniors239772823534
9Platense238961816233
10Instituto239592925432
11Deportivo Riestra238872424032
12EstudiantesEstudiantes2371062624231
13IndependienteIndependiente2261241914530
14BelgranoBelgrano227962725230
15GimnasiaGimnasia227872019129
16TigreTigre237882628-229
17Godoy CruzGodoy Cruz2361072325-228
18San Lorenzo237791921-228
19Central CordobaC. Cordoba237792630-428
20LanusLanus2361072228-628
21Rosario CentralRosario236892423126
22Argentinos JuniorsArgentinos Jrs2375111823-526
23Defensa y JusticiaDefensa236892431-726
24Independiente Rivadavia226791523-825
25BanfieldBanfield2357112029-922
26Sarmiento224991523-821
27Newell's Old BoysNewell's OB2356121732-1521
28Barracas Central2237121029-1916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!