Messi ´will be our No.10 in 2026´, hopes Inter Miami chief Mas

Inter Miami fully expect Lionel Messi to remain at the club beyond his current contract ahead of the 2026 MLS season.

Those were the words of Miami’s club managing owner, Jorge Mas, who was speaking to the media following Gerardo Martino’s resignation earlier on Friday.

Messi joined the MLS side in July 2023 on a two-and-a-half-year contract, leading the Herons to the Supporters’ Shield and Leagues Cup during his time in the United States so far.

His current deal is due to expire at the end of next year, though Mas made clear his desire to see Messi remain with the Herons at Miami Freedom Park, the club’s new stadium that will open in 2026.

“He’s under contract through 2025. Leo and I will sit, and we’ll discuss the future,” Mas said.

“As I’ve said before, and I will repeat it now: I fully expect that in the opening of our new stadium in 2026 in Miami and the opening of our 2026 season, hopefully after a trophy-laden 2025 season, that Lionel Messi will be our No. 10.”

Vamos muchachos #ItsMiamiTime pic.twitter.com/Q0uqt0oRnT

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 10, 2024

The 37-year-old scored 20 goals and registered 10 assists in 19 matches during the MLS regular season, more than any other player in the division.

He also notched a goal and an assist in the MLS playoffs, though Miami were knocked out by Atlanta United in their best-of-three series in the first round.

Martino’s departure from the club was due to “personal reasons”, though Mas confirmed that a new head coach would be appointed in the coming days.

Mas also said that he would take Messi’s advice into consideration while selecting the next manager for the Herons. It is thought that Messi’s former Barcelona team-mate, Javier Mascherano, is the leading candidate to take the reins at the club.

“I spoke to Leo on Saturday after he and Tata spoke. And I talked to Leo, I asked him: ‘What is important to you and what do you think is important to get the best out of our roster, and out of our XI and how do we improve?’” Mas said.

“Leo shared with me his thoughts. Obviously, I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new trainer and the new coach coming in.”