Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez — two of the most iconic names in modern football — are both nearing the end of their current contracts with Inter Miami, which are set to expire after the 2025 Major League Soccer season. That leaves just six months before they officially enter free agency, meaning they’ll be free to negotiate with any club, anywhere in the world, without needing permission from Inter Miami.
This timeline raises several intriguing questions and possibilities. Both players joined Inter Miami with great fanfare, bringing global attention to the MLS and transforming the club’s fortunes almost overnight. Messi’s arrival, in particular, shifted the league’s popularity to unprecedented heights, while Suárez reuniting with his longtime friend created a nostalgic Barcelona-era aura that thrilled fans.
But with the clock ticking, uncertainty looms. Will Messi, now well into his 30s, choose to retire in the U.S., or will he surprise the football world with one last challenge — perhaps a return to his beloved Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, or even a sentimental farewell at Barcelona if circumstances allow?
And what about Suárez? Battling through injuries but still lethal in front of goal, he too faces a crossroads: extend his American adventure, retire on a high, or make a dramatic switch to another league one final time.
Behind the scenes, Inter Miami’s front office is likely working quietly but urgently, aware that losing both superstars simultaneously could be a massive blow to their project and to MLS’s global momentum. These next six months may be the most critical period in shaping the legacy of Inter Miami — and the final chapters of two legendary careers.
One thing’s certain: the world will be watching.