Recent Speculation and Gomez`s Concerns
Recent rumors have circulated regarding Lionel Messi`s potential departure from Major League Soccer when his current contract concludes. Despite this speculation, Inter Miami remains optimistic about extending his deal.
Herculez Gomez, a former MLS and USMNT player, believes that even a slight chance of Messi leaving Miami should be a major concern for the league.
Speaking on the Futbol Americas podcast, Gomez starkly stated that a departure would cause a “house of cards crumbling down.” He described it as “devastating for MLS,” highlighting the league`s substantial investment in Messi.
“You made him the highest paid player in the history of MLS, you gave him MLS season pass subscription shares, you gave him future stock in Inter Miami. You essentially brought him in as an owner,” Gomez remarked, emphasizing that losing such a monumental player would be a severe blow.
Is it a Power Play?
Gomez also speculated that the rumors might not be genuine exit plans but rather a strategic maneuver by Messi to influence the league`s future direction, particularly regarding spending and roster rules.
“What if this is a power play?” he questioned. “What if this is Messi saying `It’s not just about the money for me because what I just did at this Club World Cup, what I just experienced at this Club World Cup doesn’t satisfy me. I want to win, I want to make sure where I am isn’t a situation where I’m being worse of for it.`”
He continued, suggesting Messi might be using his significant influence, akin to an owner within MLS, to push for systemic changes after the team`s poor showing. “I’m sure going out the way he did against PSG didn’t sit well with him and he knows that he, and the other nearing 40 players on his team, were embarrassed, and he wants more.”
Kasey Keller`s Perspective
Adding to the discussion, former USMNT goalkeeper Kasey Keller proposed that Messi might be considering a move for personal professional growth.
Keller suggested, “Maybe he feels because of as much power as he has, that maybe he takes advantage of it. That if he was somewhere else he wouldn’t be able to take advantage of it because they haven’t given him that right to do so.”
Context and What`s Next
Speculation about Messi`s future follows Inter Miami`s disappointing performance in the Club World Cup. Despite the rumors, reports indicate that Inter Miami remains the most likely place for Messi to continue playing in MLS, and contract extension negotiations are reportedly ongoing.
Following their Club World Cup exit, Miami and Messi are scheduled to face CF Montreal on July 5th at Stadium Saputo in Montreal.
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood