By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Argentina star and world cup winner Lionel Messi is approaching the end of the two-year deal he signed with Inter Miami in 2023.
Messi’s contract expires in December.
There is widespread belief from officials at the club and within MLS he will renew, despite interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.
A source has told Italian sports writer Fabrizio Romano that there is a mutual interest in a contract extension with Messi.
Messi is the all-time record goalscorer in Miami’s short history with 50 goals, including his most recent strike for the club – a free-kick in the Club World Cup against Porto.
Miami were knocked out of the cup in a 4-0 defeat by European champions Paris St-Germain in front of 65,574 fans in Atlanta.
The contract talks will also be held with duo Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets, both of whom stand to become free agents at the end of the calendar year.