Messi's Miami Exit Looms: Will the Soccer Legend Depart in 2027?
Lionel Messi secured his future with Inter Miami CF this past October, bringing closure to widespread conjecture about his career trajectory.
The World Cup champion led the Herons to the 2025 MLS Cup following his contract renewal, signing a three-year deal that binds him to Florida through 2028. As he enters the final phase of his playing days, Inter Miami could very well be his last professional destination before hanging up his boots.
Nevertheless, even with his lucrative Major League Soccer contract extension, whispers about a possible departure continue to circulate. There's actually a chance that Messi could depart Miami as early as 2027.
What factors might drive Messi's departure next year?
Why Lionel Messi Could Leave Inter Miami in 2027
Why Lionel Messi Could Leave Inter Miami in 2027
The source of uncertainty regarding Messi's future stems from significant modifications to the MLS calendar. Currently, the league operates from February through December, but officials have decided to shift to a summer-to-spring format, aligning with most European competitions.
Though the upcoming season will proceed normally, these adjustments will take effect the year after. The 2027–28 season will kick off in summer 2027, preceded by a condensed transitional campaign running from February to May of that year. This abbreviated period will feature a 14-match season, playoffs, and the MLS Cup.
Although this calendar restructuring aims to enhance MLS competitiveness in future years, the brief 2027 transition period, lasting merely three months, might create an opportunity for Messi to temporarily leave Inter Miami.
Where Could Lionel Messi Move?
Where Could Lionel Messi Move?
Though Messi seems unlikely to permanently depart Inter Miami, there's potential for him to make a temporary move during the transition period—which probably won't carry the same weight or significance as a standard MLS season.
One potential destination has emerged for Messi: Newell's Old Boys. Messi started his journey with this Argentine club in his hometown of Rosario at age seven, playing in their youth system for five additional years before Barcelona recruited him. However, he never played for their first team, despite remaining a devoted fan throughout his career.
According to Newell's Old Boys vice-president Juan Manuel Medina, the club is pursuing Messi's signature for the first half of next year. He revealed to TN: "We are working on Leo playing for Newell's in the first half of 2027, but for now there is nothing more than that."
Medina continued: "It's a project that goes beyond Newell's. It's a project for the city of Rosario, the province and Argentine football. It all depends on what we can offer in terms of infrastructure and a competitive sports program."
Whether this opportunity would appeal to Messi and if Inter Miami would approve such a transfer remains uncertain, but speculation will likely grow stronger in the months ahead.