Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images

Lionel Messi Could Make Emotional Move Away From MLS

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 3:11 PM ET

The 2026 MLS Season is set to start in two weeks, and Inter Miami will start their title defense against LAFC.

The current MLS champions have made significant changes in the squad, but the club managed to keep their biggest star, Lionel Messi. Messi signed a contract extension with Inter Miami last year that will see him stay until 2028.

The Argentine star's contract was running out at the end of 2025 before the contract extension, which caused lots of rumors about where he would head next.

Despite the contract extension, new reports suggest that Messi's time at Inter Miami is not guaranteed to last until 2028, as one of his former clubs is interested in bringing him back for an 'exciting project'.

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami controls the ball during a friendly match between Atlético Nacional and Inter Miami at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on January 31, 2026 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)

While a departure from Inter Miami is highly unlikely before the 2026 World Cup, a potential departure from the club after the summer tournament could be possible, according to rumors and reports.

Newell's Old Boys' Pursuit of Lionel Messi

A report from beIN Sports USA suggests that Newell’s Old Boys have not given up on bringing back Lionel Messi to the club before the Argentine star retires from football.

Messi's current contract with Inter Miami expires at the end of 2028, but rumors and reports suggest that the player could leave the club after one year within this new contract.

The report reads that Newell’s Old Boys are focused on a potential Lionel Messi return and are planning a major project to bring him back to the club. Messi never played for the first team of Newell’s Old Boys, but he played in their youth team before joining FC Barcelona.

There should be more talks on a potential return to Newell’s Old Boys after the 2026 World Cup, which is expected to be Messi's last major competition of his career.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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