Messi nears contract extension with Inter Miami as Barcelona return fades

Lionel Messi (36, Inter Miami) is reportedly close to re-signing with the club.

The global sports media outlet 'The Athletic' reported on the 11th (Korea time) that "Inter Miami is nearing a contract extension with Messi. Messi is expected to lead the team at their new home stadium, Miami Freedom Park, next year."

Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023. The contract was scheduled to expire at the end of this year.

'The Athletic' noted, "Negotiations between both parties have made significant progress. Messi is likely to sign the contract, and they are currently fine-tuning the details."

The scenario of Messi returning to Barcelona appears virtually impossible. Earlier, the British media outlet 'Football365' reported that "Barcelona had planned a worldwide announcement regarding Messi's return."

Messi was a symbol of Barcelona. He played 778 official matches for the club, scoring 672 goals and providing 305 assists. During that time, he lifted a total of 35 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League titles.

Despite being such an absolute presence, Messi and Barcelona parted ways in 2021. The re-signing fell through due to the club's financial difficulties. Messi was willing to accept a 50% pay cut to stay but ultimately had to leave.

After that, Messi, who had joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), headed to the United States. He is spending his twilight years at Inter Miami, still receiving fervent support from fans.

Meanwhile, 'the rivalry of the century' Cristiano Ronaldo (39, Al Nassr) is also approaching a contract extension.

The global sports media outlet 'ESPN' reported on the 10th that "Al Nassr has offered Ronaldo a two-year contract extension. According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, the club is actively working to finalize the contract."

Ronaldo stated last August, "I want to stay at Al Nassr until I finish my player career."

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