Messi makes a decisive decision regarding his future

ESPN has confirmed that veteran Argentine star Lionel Messi is very close to announcing his football future, after entering the final stages of contract renewal negotiations with the American club, Inter Miami. The financial details of the new contract have not yet been revealed, but an official announcement is expected within the next two weeks . Messi joined Inter Miami during the 2023 season, and his current contract expires at the end of the 2025 season. This season, the Argentine star ranks second in the MLS scoring list with 20 goals in 21 games, and also shares sixth place in the list of top goal creators with 11 assists. Last season, Messi scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists, achieving remarkable results with the team . In 46 league matches with Inter Miami, the Argentine star scored 41 goals and assisted 27, while his total goals in all competitions reached 54 goals in 62 matches. Messi has won the Ballon d'Or eight times and starred for Barcelona between 2004 and 2021 and Paris Saint-Germain between 2021 and 2023. After moving to MLS, Messi helped Inter Miami win the 2023 MLS Cup and also earned the 2024 Supporters' Shield, awarded to the club with the best regular-season record, despite losing in the first round of the playoffs . Inter Miami currently sits sixth in MLS with 49 points from 14 wins, six draws, and seven losses, and is preparing to face DC United at home on Saturday. Internationally, Messi led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, cementing his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time.