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

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

Those were the words of Miami club owner Jorge Mas, who spoke to the media earlier on Friday following the resignation of Gerardo Martino.

Messi joined MLS 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 contract expires at the end of next year, although Mas made it clear he would like to remain with the Herons at Miami Freedom Park, the club's new stadium due to open in 2026.

“He is under contract until 2025. Leo and I will sit and we will discuss the future,” Mas said.

“As I have said before, and I will repeat it now: I fully expect that at the opening of our new stadium in Miami in 2026 and the opening of our 2026 season, hopefully after a season full of trophies, Lionel Messi will be our number be 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 games during the MLS regular season, more than any other player in the division.

He also scored a goal and an assist in the MLS playoffs, although Miami was eliminated in the first round by Atlanta United in their best-of-three series.

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

Mas also said he would consider Messi's advice when selecting the next manager for the Herons. Messi's former Barcelona teammate, Javier Mascherano, is thought to be the leading candidate to take over at the club.

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

“Leo shared his thoughts with me. Of course I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new trainer and the arrival of the new coach.”