{"id":140905,"date":"2026-02-05T16:03:58","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T21:03:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/queonnda.com\/lionel-messi-and-his-future-to-continue-in-mls-or-return-to-barcelona\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T16:09:57","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T21:09:57","slug":"lionel-messi-and-his-future-to-continue-in-mls-or-return-to-barcelona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/queonnda.com\/en\/lionel-messi-and-his-future-to-continue-in-mls-or-return-to-barcelona\/","title":{"rendered":"Lionel Messi and his future: to continue in MLS or return to Barcelona?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lionel Messi’s future is once again at the center of the global soccer debate. As the Argentine star continues his stint in Major League Soccer (MLS), rumors are growing about a possible exit after the 2026 World Cup, with FC Barcelona once again appearing as a potential destination at the end of his historic career.<\/p>\n

Messi is currently focused on his present in the United States and on one of the great objectives he still has: to defend the world title with the Argentine national team in the 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The proximity of the tournament and its sporting importance have been key factors in the player’s decision to stay in MLS<\/a>, a league that allows him to compete without the physical demands of European soccer.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Barcelona is on Messi’s horizon again<\/h2>\n
\"\"
PHOTO: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Speculation about Lionel Messi’s future is nothing new.<\/p>\n

In recent years he has been linked to different clubs that are part of his personal and emotional history.<\/p>\n

These include Newell’s Old Boys, where he began his career, and Barcelona, the club that made him a legend in world soccer.<\/p>\n

Although his departure from the Catalan team in 2021 was not on the best of terms, the passage of time and institutional changes have opened the door to a possible reconciliation.<\/p>\n

In the case of Barcelona, Lionel Messi’s name usually comes up in connection with new management projects, especially in electoral contexts.<\/p>\n

An eventual return would not necessarily be focused on a prolonged competitive stage.<\/p>\n

But in a symbolic closure of his professional career, something that the player himself has hinted at in the past without confirming concrete plans.<\/p>\n

Inter Miami, the World Cup and an open future<\/h2>\n
\"Inter
PHOTO: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

He is currently focused on his present in the United States<\/p>Qu\u00e9Onnda.com<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n

For now, the situation at Inter Miami is stable.<\/p>\n

Lionel Messi has shown himself to be comfortable, supported by the club environment and adapted to life in the United States.<\/p>\n

Staying in MLS also gives them a logistical advantage heading into the World Cup by familiarizing themselves with stadiums, fields and conditions that will be key in 2026.<\/p>\n

For many analysts, this factor weighs as much as the sporting aspect.<\/p>\n

After the World Cup, the scenario could change.<\/p>\n

If Lionel Messi decides to continue playing, the options that have historically been on the table boil down to two clear paths:<\/p>\n

A return to Barcelona or a farewell linked to his soccer roots. Until then, any decision remains open.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit Qu\u00e9Onnda.com.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lionel Messi’s future is once again at the center of the global soccer debate. As the Argentine star continues his stint in Major League Soccer (MLS), rumors are growing about a possible exit after the 2026 World Cup, with FC Barcelona once again appearing as a potential destination at the end of his historic career. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":140904,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[140,47],"tags":[785,1400,658],"class_list":{"0":"post-140905","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-soccer","8":"category-sports","9":"tag-deportes-en","10":"tag-eeuu","11":"tag-soccer-en"},"yoast_head":"\nLionel Messi and his future<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Lionel Messi discusses his future after MLS, with the 2026 World Cup a priority and Barcelona a possible final destination\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/queonnda.com\/en\/lionel-messi-and-his-future-to-continue-in-mls-or-return-to-barcelona\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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