Lionel Messi appears to be ruling out return to European football in favor of extending his stay at Inter Miami beyond the end of the year.
That is according to former Manchester United and Sunderland senior scout Mick Brown, who remains highly well-connected inside the league, who exclusively informed Football Insider that the 38-year-old is pleased at Inter Miami and that an agreement is now “close”.
Messi’s current contract expires on December 31, but with his performances showing no signs of decreasing, he intends to remain in the MLS.
In July, Football Insider reported that Saudi Pro League clubs wanted to sign Messi and restart his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, but their “countless” attempts had failed.
There have also been rumours of a return to Barcelona, where he has maintained his God-like status among the fans, although this is now improbable.
Lionel Messi set to sign new deal with Inter Miami.
Football Insider reported in July that Messi is expected to stay at Inter Miami following the signing of his Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul from Atletico Madrid.
Brown, who has over a decade of expertise in top-level player recruitment after working at Manchester United during their most successful period, believes it is beneficial to the game if Messi can continue to perform at his peak in the United States.
“At 38, it’s fantastic that he’s still playing and performing at a high level; it’s similar to Ronaldo, and it’s a testament to how they’ve looked after themselves.
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“He can still compete at a high level, but his opponents’ abilities clearly play a role.
“There’s no need for him to gallop across the pitch; he can save his energy and alter the game in tiny bursts that no one else can do.
“You’ll see him score a spectacular goal, make a cutting pass, or go on one of his dribbles.
Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo flourishing later in their careers
Messi’s move to the MLS, combined with Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League, has allowed two of the game’s all-time greats to continue thriving.
The World Cup winner has 64 goals and 31 assists in 76 games for Miami, including 22 goals and 10 assists in only 22 MLS outings this season.
After making what is anticipated to be his final appearance on home soil for Argentina, in which he scored twice, the forward was met with emotional reactions from the fans.
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