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Key Update On Lionel Messi To Al Hilal Reports Amid New Inter Miami Contract

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 2:07 PM ET

With Lionel Messi yet to sign a contract extension with Inter Miami, rumors of Saudi Arabia's interest in bringing the Argentine star increased. Messi's contract with Inter Miami expires at the end of the 2025 MLS season (Late December).

The Inter Miami star is currently focused on the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, but after the tournament, questions about his future will be answered.

Reports of Al Hilal interested in signing Messi for next season continued to grow as no clear sign of Inter Miami close to renewing his contract has been reported.

New reports from Saudi Arabia suggested that Al Hilal held talks with Messi and his father on a potential transfer this summer.

The report included details such as the Al Hilal president, Fahad bin Nafel, reportedly arriving in the U.S. to discuss with Messi's father and his team about having the Inter Miami star join Al Hilal this summer.

Reliable journalist Guillem Balague debunked the rumors of Al Hilal talking with Messi and gave insight into the reports.

Lionel Messi set to stay at Inter Miami

Guillem Balague reposted a report on the Al Hilal president meeting Messi's team on his X account and mentioned that it was 'fake news.' While calling the report false, he also gives a quick insight into Messi's contract renewal situation.

FAKE NEWS!!

Nada de nada en esta historia

Not true at all that Al Hilal has met or is about to meet Messi's dad@InterMiamiCF y Leo siguen conversando con la intención de renovar su contrato. Así están las cosas pic.twitter.com/6pKfg7Ue9T
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) June 27, 2025

Messi's chances to stay at Inter Miami for another year are high, which also means his chances to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina are also increasing. The Athletic reported that there are advanced negotiations between Messi and Inter Miami for a contract extension.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has expressed his desire to see Messi play at Inter Miami's new stadium, Freedom Park, which is set to open in Spring 2026.

⚽️ ️ Miami Freedom Park stadium. It’s coming along. Due to open early 2026. @MiamiHerald @HeraldSports #Messi #InterMiami #MiamiFreedomPark #MLS pic.twitter.com/GpIk7XfbyF
— Michelle Kaufman (@kaufsports) June 24, 2025

What's Next for Inter Miami and Messi?

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami set their sights on the club's biggest challenge to date. The MLS team will take on current Champions League winners PSG in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup.

The game between the two teams will be played on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Inter Miami has learned its potential path to the final in case they defeat PSG in the Round of 16.

If Inter Miami advances to the quarterfinals, their opponents will be between Flamengo and Bayern Munich. If they reach the semifinals, their potential opponents will be among Real Madrid, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and Monterrey.