Inter Miami confident of Lionel Messi contract renewal despite Al Ahli interest | OneFootball

Lionel Messi is once again at the centre of a transfer tug of war as his contract with Inter Miami nears an end. Miami fans are holding their breath as the club negotiates an extension.

However, The Athletic reports that the Major League Soccer (MLS) side are confident that Messi will pledge his allegiance to the American club.

The Argentine superstar joined Miami in July 2023, but his contract runs out at the end of the MLS season in December.

News of Messi’s potential availability has sparked global appeal, with interest pouring in, especially from Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) sees it as a golden second chance to lure the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to the Middle East, with Al Ahli opening talks to land his signature.

The Asian Champions League winners are reportedly leading the charge to bring Messi to the Gulf State and have made it clear that they will pull out all the stops to make it happen.

Having two of the greatest players of all time in the Saudi Pro League (SPL) will do wonders for the league’s global appeal, and the Kingdom wants to make it happen.

Miami understand the financial backing Al Ahli has, but are not panicking. In fact, they’re more confident than optimistic that the 38-year-old will choose to stay in America.

Messi is happy in the United States. There were reports that he was looking to move to a more prominent league ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but that speculation has been rubbished.

Miami are closing in on a new agreement that will see Messi extend his stay and lead the team into their new Freedom Park Stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2026.

Nothing has been signed yet, but Miami believe they’re close to making an announcement. Messi’s family is settled in America, and he’s reluctant to move.

But until the ink is dry, Al Ahli will fancy their chances of swaying his decision.