Will Lionel Messi leave Inter Miami after Club World Cup Defeat? Argentina star to find new Club in Transfer Window?

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Inter Miami's 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Round of 16 left Lionel Messi visibly frustrated.

The match, played at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, saw PSG dominate with goals from João Neves, Achraf Hakimi, and an own goal by Miami's Aviles. Despite Messi's efforts, including near-miss headers and brilliant passes, Inter Miami couldn't match PSG's intensity.

Messi was disappointed but not angry, reflecting his awareness of the squad's quality gap. The loss, against his former club where he endured an unhappy 2021-2023 stint, likely stirred complex emotions. Coach Javier Mascherano noted Messi's past with PSG was behind him, but the European Champions were head and shoulders above the MLS outfit.

Has Messi Played His Last Match for Inter Miami?

Messi's contract with Inter Miami runs through 2025, with an option to extend, but the PSG loss and earlier MLS disappointments (2024 playoff exit, 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal loss) have fueled speculation about his future. In June 2024, Messi told ESPN Argentina that Miami would likely be his last club, but a January 2025 report cited a family friend claiming he plans a Barcelona return post-2025.

Factors suggesting he'll stay beyond this Club World Cup. However, his frustration with Miami's inconsistent performances and recurring injuries at 38 could push him to leave. The PSG match may not be his last, but a move remains possible. Inter will be back in MLS action on July 6, amid the World Cup, as they resume their campaign against Montreal. But Messi's involvement in that match still remains a doubt, as the former Barcelona star may sit out for a couple of weeks before returning to action.

Potential Transfer Destinations in 2025

If Messi leaves in the 2025 transfer window (MLS window closes April 23; secondary window July 1-10), likely destinations include:

FC Barcelona (Spain): A sentimental return is plausible, though financial constraints and Messi's age pose challenges.

Saudi Pro League: Lucrative but less competitive, despite Messi rejecting a 2023 offer, he can join the club for astronomical wages and a renewed rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Newell's Old Boys (Argentina): A romantic but improbable return due to competitive and security concerns.

The Argentina international is unlikely to shift his base in this transfer window. Messi may well be disappointed with the Club World Cup performance, but Miami have plenty to look forward in the coming months, in the domestic and CONCACAF competitions. Although Club World Cup 2025 was a big incentive for him staying in USA, he is likely to continue at his Miami home.