After the 0–3 loss to Orlando City, Inter Miami have now gone three straight games without a victory. Despite having started the year in solid form, defensive weaknesses have resurfaced. As a consequence, they have already conceded 21 goals in MLS this season. Furthermore, the problems extend beyond the pitch. A brief and reserved response from Lionel Messi regarding his future has left fans both surprised and uneasy.
In the post-match interview, a reporter asked Messi whether there were any updates on his contract extension. He answered with just five words: “No, I don’t know anything.” That response added further uncertainty to his situation. According to Transfermarkt, the Argentine star’s current contract with the Inter Miami ends on December 31, 2025. Because of that, his vague reply has raised fears among supporters about a possible non-renewal and eventual departure.
Following Messi’s comments, ESPN journalist Diego Monroig reported that contract talks with Inter Miami remain on hold. Still, head coach Javier Mascherano indicated that updates on Lionel’s renewal may come in the following weeks. For now, all signs point to an unresolved situation, and the door remains open to a potential exit.
Nevertheless, it does not mean that the Argentine star is nearing an exit, as his contract remains in effect for some time. Moreover, Lionel appears well-settled in the city, and his on-field partner Jordi Alba recently extended his contract. As a result, fans remain optimistic about Messi’s possibility to continue with the club, as they expect him to deliver the first MLS Cup in Inter Miami’s history.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF speaks in the post-match interview after the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and Orlando City at Chase Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Lionel Messi reflects on Inter Miami’s goals after loss to Orlando City in Florida derby
Despite not having given a clear answer on his future, Lionel shows he is more than committed to the team. After the tough defeat in the Florida derby against Orlando City, he spoke about the team’s objectives. “With three or four games left in May, we [have to] finish the best possible way to be able to face the Club World Cup.” Besides, he added. “We’re coming off a period of bad results but we have to keep working and think about what’s next.”
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Lionel Messi openly complains about MLS referees after Inter Miami’s ugly 3-0 loss to Orlando City
Considering that, Inter Miami will try to end their poor run in the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Union on May 24, 2025. The team needs a win to climb the standings and regain the momentum it showed earlier this season. If Inter Miami secure three points, they will move up to fourth place in the Western Conference.
