Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Messi’s Subtle Response Raises Eyebrows About His Future in Miami

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated May 19, 2025 7:45 AM ET

Lionel Messi might be one of the greatest players of all time, but even legends can’t carry a struggling team on their own.

Inter Miami crashed to a 3–0 loss against Orlando City on May 18 at Chase Stadium, their latest setback in what’s becoming a turbulent stretch of the season. After a strong start to the MLS campaign, the Herons have now won just one of their last five league matches—and were also bounced out of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. Recent results have casted serious doubts on the teams ability to perform at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup

Fans are growing anxious not only about the team’s form, but also about Messi’s future.

Messi’s contract situation just got murkier

The Argentine’s current deal with Inter Miami runs through the end of 2024. And while team co-owner Jorge Mas previously told fans that he expected Messi to stay through 2026 and help christen Miami’s new stadium, the man himself sounded far less certain this weekend.

Following the loss to Orlando, Messi was approached by Apple TV MLS reporter Michele Giannone and asked whether there was any update on his contract renewal.

His response? Just five words:

“No, I don’t know anything.”

pic.twitter.com/zQY5uQQXl0
— Messi World (@M10GOAT) May 19, 2025

That brief comment—delivered with a faint smile before Messi walked off—was enough to sow fresh doubt. For a club that just went winless in four of its last five and currently sits sixth in the MLS standings, Messi’s future is now one more concern on a growing list.

There’s still time for a turnaround, but if Inter Miami hopes to keep their No. 10 beyond 2024, it may take more than stadium blueprints and public assurances to seal the deal.

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

More must-reads: