Saudi Arabia reportedly wants him, and here's the decision Lionel Messi is said to have made.

Lionel Messi is reportedly very close to finalizing a contract extension with Inter Miami, a development that signals the club's robust plans for its future and the continued presence of the global superstar in Major League Soccer (MLS). This significant progress in negotiations underscores Inter Miami's commitment to building a formidable squad around its most prominent player.

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The potential contract extension for Messi is not an isolated event but is intricately linked to Inter Miami's broader strategy for sporting reinforcement and team strengthening. This holistic approach is exemplified by the club's reported pursuit of high-caliber players, such as Argentine World Cup winner Rodrigo de Paul. The active discussions with Atlético Madrid for De Paul, as previously reported, appear to be a key component of this strategic vision. Bringing in a midfielder of De Paul's caliber would provide crucial support for Messi, enhance the team's competitiveness, and elevate the overall quality of the squad.

Inter Miami's ambitions extend beyond immediate on-field success. The club is reportedly planning for Messi's long-term involvement, even after he eventually hangs up his boots. A remarkable aspect of the proposed agreement is that when Lionel Messi retires, he will become a shareholder in the club. This unprecedented arrangement would solidify Messi's enduring legacy with Inter Miami, transforming him from a player into a vested owner. Such a move would be a powerful statement about the club's innovative approach to player contracts and its desire to retain its most iconic figure in a significant leadership capacity.

The prospect of Messi becoming a part-owner upon retirement reflects a growing trend in sports where athletes secure post-playing careers that involve ownership stakes. For Inter Miami, this could mean leveraging Messi's vast experience, global brand, and football acumen for strategic club development, marketing, and recruitment long after his playing days conclude.

The advanced stage of these contract talks, coupled with aggressive transfer market activity, highlights Inter Miami's determination to establish itself as a dominant force in MLS and on the international stage. The acquisition of top-tier talent like De Paul would complement Messi's playmaking abilities, creating a more balanced and formidable team capable of challenging for major honors.

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Should all these elements materialize—Messi's contract extension, the acquisition of high-profile reinforcements like De Paul, and his future role as a shareholder—Inter Miami would truly redefine the landscape of professional sports franchises. It would signify a club not only investing heavily in its present but also meticulously planning for a future anchored by one of football's greatest ever players. Fans eagerly await official confirmation of these developments, which promise an exciting new chapter for Inter Miami.