Mercato: Lionel Messi officially free to negotiate with another club
Lionel Messi, whose contract ends this upcoming winter, could leave the Florida club as the Argentine forward is now free to discuss terms with any team of his choice.
Lionel Messi wearing the Inter Miami jersey @AFP
Lionel Messi is now free to talk with any club. Although he’s under contract with Inter Miami until December 2025, the Argentine captain can, as per FIFA regulations, begin negotiations with another club within six months of the end of his current commitment.
This contractual situation, articulated in Article 18.3 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, allows any player entering the last six months of their contract to freely sign a preliminary agreement with a new team.
While Messi’s departure remains speculative at this point, this development has reignited speculations around his future. Several sources indeed mention the interest of Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, which would be ready to make a formal offer to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
This uncertainty arises as Messi focuses on his remaining international objectives, with an eye on the 2026 World Cup set to take place in North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico). This tournament could mark the final chapter of his legendary career.