Lionel Messi To Become Free Agent

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi is eligible to negotiate with any club as a free agent based on a FIFA rule.

Lionel Messi is currently in the last six months of his contract at Inter Miami, which means that his deal with the Major League Soccer club will expire this December.

FIFA rule states that a player is permitted to negotiate with any club interested in him if his current contract has six months left to expire. Currently, Messi falls in this category.

The 38-year-old, whose team was kicked out of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a 4-0 defeat by Paris Saint Germain, is said not to be too excited about his stay at Inter Miami. His body language has sparked transfer speculations in the American media.

Naija News gathered that Al-Hilal, who tried to sign Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen, but failed, are putting an offer together for Messi. This means that there is a big chance that the Argentine icon might switch to the Saudi Pro League.

However, his desire to play in the FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026, might lure him to extend his stay in the MLS.

There are also speculations that the former FC Barcelona forward is considering hanging up his boots immediately after the forthcoming World Cup.