Lionel Messi Transfer News: Is a fairytale return on the cards?

Lionel Messi’s next move is one of the biggest talking points of the summer transfer window, with his Inter Miami contract set to expire at the end of 2025.

 The Argentine legend is currently tied to the MLS club until December, but is now eligible to discuss terms with other teams ahead of a possible transfer in 2026.

With the World Cup fast approaching, speculation is mounting over whether Messi will commit to staying in Miami or pursue one final challenge in Europe or elsewhere.

Inter Miami are pushing to extend the 38-year-old’s deal, with negotiations ongoing. The club’s ambitious plans include Messi leading the team into their brand-new Freedom Park stadium, which is due to open in March 2026.

Potential destinations include a return to Barcelona, a Serie A switch with Napoli or Inter Milan, and even a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia to reunite with long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

There's also continued speculation over a romantic return to his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, in Argentina.

 With his next step still unclear, fans are left wondering - will Messi remain the face of Major League Soccer, or take one last shot at top-level football before hanging up his boots?

Who Are the Favourites to Sign Lionel Messi?

Barcelona have emerged as the frontrunners to re-sign Lionel Messi, with odds of 9/2 available through Sky Bet and Paddy Power.

The Catalan giants remain closely linked with their all-time top scorer, who spent 17 glittering seasons at Camp Nou, winning four Champions League titles and rewriting the club's record books.

Fresh reports from ESPN Argentina claim Messi is open to a move back to a more competitive league in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. While Barça’s financial situation remains tight, it has improved significantly since his emotional departure in 2021. That shift could open the door to a short-term deal or a reduced-wage contract, now more viable under La Liga’s salary regulations.

A return to Spain would offer the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner the high-level football he thrives on, particularly with Barcelona back in the Champions League and showing promise under new head coach Hansi Flick.

One of the most sentimental options on the table is a return to Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys — currently priced at 7/1 with both Sky Bet and Paddy Power.

Born in Rosario, Messi began his footballing journey with Newell’s before moving to Barcelona as a teenager. A homecoming would be a powerful full-circle moment, allowing him to play in front of the fans who first witnessed his talent.

While the emotional significance is clear, there’s also a footballing incentive. Newell’s could be involved in the Copa Libertadores, offering Messi the chance to compete in South America’s premier club tournament — one of the few honours missing from his résumé.

With his career achievements already cemented and financial gain no longer a driving factor, a move motivated by passion and personal legacy isn’t out of the question.