Coach Mascherano addresses Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract negotiations with a clear stance

Inter Miami are currently focused entirely on the final stretch of the Major League Soccer regular season. However, part of the spotlight has shifted to Lionel Messi and his ongoing contract negotiations. Javier Mascherano was asked about the matter.

“Hopefully it happens soon,” Mascherano said during Friday’s press conference ahead of the Herons’ match against DC United. “If it does happen, it’ll be great news for the club, for MLS in general, and for soccer in the United States to have him around a bit longer.”

Leo is under contract with Inter Miami through December 31 of this year. That means his status for next season remains uncertain. It also means the Argentine forward is free to negotiate with any club worldwide, as he’s within the final six months of his current deal.

However, that doesn’t seem to be the main concern right now. In fact, reports indicate Messi and Inter Miami are close to reaching a contract extension—not just for one more season through the end of 2026, but potentially for a longer term.

Despite those rumors, Mascherano remained cautious. “We have to wait for things to play out on their own and for the people who are supposed to announce it to do so,” the coach explained. “I’m not going to talk about hypotheticals. I’m not the one who has to break that news.”

Jordi Alba expects to finish career alongside Lionel Messi after Inter Miami win in MLS

The uncertainty surrounding Lionel Messi could also extend to other Inter Miami players. Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets are in the same situation, with contracts set to expire at the end of the 2025 MLS season.