Is Lionel Messi officially leaving Inter Miami?

In some heartbreaking news for Inter Miami fans, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club's Argentine star Lionel Messi has already decided to leave, not only the club but also the country.

According to the Mirror UK, the 37-year-old Argentine football legend has played a crucial role in Inter Miami's success since he linked up with former footballer and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, back in July 2023.

The addition of the eight-time Ballon d'Or award winner proved to be a significant victory for the MLS and reshaped Inter Miami's record in the league, reversing its prior struggles in the Eastern Conference.

However, it is believed that it may be time for Messi to leave Miami upon his contract's conclusion in December 2025 with an aims to return to his roots in Argentina.

This means that the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star is left with only one more full season in the MLS.

According to reports from El Nacional, he is said to be eyeing a switch back to Newell's Old Boys, where Messi spent his formative years, from 1995 to 2000.

Although he expressed a heartfelt desire to return home and play for Newell's Old Boys in 2016, Messi was slightly unsure of heading back home when he spoke on the matter at a later date. 

Speaking to TyC Sports, he said: "My dream is to play at Newell's but I don't know what will happen, and a part of that doubt is due to the way the country is at the moment.

"I have a family and my children come first, and then me, I want them to grow up in a calm place, being able to enjoy life with security. It is very ugly to see the things that happen in Argentina, that you can go out on the street and people want to rob you and that they can kill you."

Last weekend, Messi joined his Inter Miami teammates on the field after returning from a Copa America final ankle injury and scored twice within 30 minutes against Philadelphia Union.

His latest goals boosted his season stats to an impressive 14 goals and as many assists in the MLS.

Currently, Miami stands only a few weeks away from potentially clinching the Supporter's Shield. If they do so, it will be Messi's second trophy with the team, following their Leagues Cup victory last year.