Lionel Messi, Inter Miami in talks to extend contract
ESPN reported Friday that Messi and Inter Miami remain in negotiations to extend the contract of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner beyond 2025.
Messi signed with Miami in July 2023 on a 2 1/2-year Designated-Player contract. With the club set to open a new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, for the 2026 season, Inter Miami wants Messi to take part in the housewarming party.
Jorge Mas, co-owner of Inter Miami, told ESPN in June that his club would do whatever it takes to keep Messi with the Herons.
"I previously said that my wish, my dream would be for the No. 10 to inaugurate our new stadium in March. This is a decision that rests on Messi," Mas said.
He added: "I always said that he is a competitive animal, he wants to win. I hope we can raise many trophies together here at Inter Miami in the coming years. Here, we're just waiting to be able to give the fans the good news about Lionel Messi."
Since joining the club, Messi led Inter Miami to its first-ever trophies, including the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield while setting a record for most points in a single season.
Miami also advanced to the round of 16 of the current FIFA Club World Cup, after taking second in Group A, but fell to Paris Saint-Germain in the knockout stage.
In 38 regular-season MLS games, Messi has 31 goals and 22 assists. He also claimed the 2024 league MVP. — REUTERS
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Soccer-Dortmund coach Kovac calls for later kickoffs after scorching Club World Cup
Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Quarter Final - Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund - MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. - July 5, 2025 Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac reacts REUTERS/Lee Smith EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Reuters) -Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac called for later kickoff times after his players again laboured through scorching heat in a dramatic 3-2 defeat by Real Madrid in their Club World Cup quarter-final at 3 p.m. ET (1900 GMT) on Saturday in New Jersey. Dortmund played in temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) last month for a group stage game at the same time of day in Cincinnati. WHY IT IS IMPORTANT Scorching temperatures at the Club World Cup have raised concerns for the 2026 World Cup, where a record 48 teams will face off in the quadrennial global spectacle in the sweltering North American summer. Soccer's world governing body, FIFA, have implemented cooling breaks and mitigating measures, but coaches and players have complained, with frequent afternoon kickoff times making teams compete in direct sun. Nine of the 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup face conditions considered "extreme risk" for heat-related illness and the global players union FIFPRO said it is exploring better ways to protect players. KEY QUOTES: Dortmund coach Niko Kovac: "These athletes had to bring top performance, but again that's the tournament mode and we will see the same next year during the World Cup... We have to consider the players." "This is very hard for someone, and the players they must play these games... But OK, this is this is the tournament, we need to play. It's my suggestion that the kickoff time would be a little bit later. We played in Atlanta (at 9 p.m. ET) so the intensity is also much higher." "As a spectator, you would like to see intensive, aggressive, up and down football, so when it's too hot, then it's difficult to play this kind of football." (Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by William Mallard)
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
An open letter to Harimau Malaya head coach Cklamovski
Dear Peter, Since we've never met, allow me to introduce myself. I'm a journalist with over three decades of experience covering Malaysian football, and until recently, the country's sole representative in the prestigious Ballon d'Or voting panel – before the organisers limited participation to media from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations. Above all, I'm a passionate supporter of Harimau Malaya and Malaysian football. It's not too late to extend a warm welcome to you as the first Australian to take the helm of our national team. You may be familiar with another Australian who left a lasting mark here – Ron Smith. He served as Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) director of coaching over two decades ago and created a legacy in Sabah and Pahang, albeit very briefly. He and played a pivotal role in developing talents like Shukor Adan, Nizaruddin Yusof, and Nidzam Jamil, laying the groundwork for the 2001 SEA Games squad. His legacy reminds us that foreign expertise, when aligned with local development, can be transformative. Your early impact has been encouraging. The victories over Nepal and Vietnam in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers were impressive, and the inclusion of naturalised and heritage players like Hector Hevel and Jon Irazabal has added technical depth and international experience to the squad. However, their presence – despite unclear ancestral ties to Malaysia, has sparked debate. While FIFA may not object if the government has issued the necessary documents, fans are left questioning the criteria behind these decisions. Transparency is sorely lacking. Rob Friend, Harimau Malaya's chief executive officer, has yet to clearly explain the heritage or residency pathways for several players, despite his recent media charm offensive. This opacity risks alienating supporters and undermining the development of homegrown talent. Naturalisation should be guided by integrity, fairness, and a genuine connection to Malaysia. It must complement – not replace – the nurturing of local stars like Arif Aiman Hanapi and Ahmad Syihan Hazmi. The national team must remain a source of pride and identity for Malaysians. The situation has even led to widespread online speculation that FAM may have breached naturalisation rules. Whether true or not, the lack of clear communication fuels mistrust. Peter, Malaysian football has always been a blend of local pride and international collaboration. As we embrace a new generation of players, let us also preserve the values and memories of those who built the foundation. As we look to the future, it is equally important to honour the past. The legacy of players like Razali Alias and Ray Crawford reminds us of the rich history and multicultural spirit that has long defined Malaysian football. Razali, a Singapore-born striker, became the first naturalised player to represent Malaysia after he was granted citizenship in January 1984. He went on tour with the national team to the Middle East but FIFA ruled him ineligible for the World Cup qualifiers the following year as he had represented Singapore. Few Malaysians realise the first naturalised player with no connection to this land to don national colours was an Englishman later known as the Jungle Boy. Long before the Latin Americans were given their identity cards and passports to add more bite to Harimau Malaya, Portsmouth-born left-winger Ray Crawford enjoyed the distinction of representing Malaya almost 70 years ago. A much-respected player representing the Federation Combined Services in the Malaya Cup, Crawford served 18 months in Malaya with the Royal Hampshire Regiment. He was picked in a friendly match as the national team were officially formed, to prepare, ironically, for the first AFC Asian Cup in 1956. These trivia aside, I write this not out of malice, but from deep concern and a shared desire to see Malaysian football reach its full potential. Peter, your recent remarks on the allegations of internal sabotage and political interference have cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of celebration. While your courage in speaking out is commendable, the ambiguity of your statements has left fans, analysts, and even your employer, FAM, in confusion. FAM president Datuk Mohd Joehari Ayub has publicly urged you to clarify your claims, rightly pointing out that speculation without context only breeds division. Vague insinuations erode trust and morale. The time for cryptic remarks is over. Looking ahead, I wish you and the team the best of luck in the CAFA Nations Cup against Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. This tournament, to be held in August until September, is a vital platform to test our mettle against Iran – the defending champions and Asia's second-ranked team – and other emerging Central Asian sides. It was before a small crowd in the AFC Asian Cup final rounds in 2007 that Malaysia last met Iran, who ran out comfortable winners despite the 2-0 margin. Peter, the path forward demands clarity, courage, and collaboration. Malaysian football deserves nothing less. Respectfully yours, Rizal Hashim
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Soccer-Real Madrid survive Dortmund scare to reach Club World Cup semis
Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Quarter Final - Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund - MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. - July 5, 2025 Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe scores their third goal past Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel REUTERS/Hannah Mckay TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Reuters) -Real Madrid edged past Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a dramatic Club World Cup quarter-final on Saturday to set up a semi-final against Paris St Germain. The Spanish giants stamped their authority on the match early at the MetLife Stadium, dominating possession and opening a two-goal lead thanks to strikes by Gonzalo and Fran Garcia in the 10th and 20th minutes. Despite the reduced intensity of play in New Jersey's scorching heat, Real comfortably saw out the match, leaving Dortmund unable to mount a comeback until the game exploded into life in added time. Substitute Maximilian Beier pounced on a rebound in the 93rd minute to pull one back for Dortmund, but a minute later Kylian Mbappe restored Real's two-goal cushion with a stunning volley, showcasing his trademark composure. Dortmund refused to back down, however, and Serhou Guirassy's pace saw him break through Real's defence only to be pulled down in the box by Dean Huijsen. The defender was shown a straight red card, ruling him out of the semi-final, and Guirassy coolly converted the resulting spot-kick to reduce the deficit to 3-2. Dortmund came within inches of forcing extra time when in the ninth minute of added time Thibaut Courtois produced a sensational save to deny Marcel Sabitzer's powerful strike. Real Madrid now turn their attention to PSG, who defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 to book their place in the semi-finals. The winners of that clash will face Fluminense or Chelsea in the final. (Reporting by Fernando Kallas, editing by Ed Osmond)
