Inter Miami reportedly expect to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi next year.
The global superstar is currently in the second of his two-year contract at Parc des Princes, performing to a level far superior to his opening 12 months in the France capital.
Messi has contributed 11 goals and 13 assists from 16 starts in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, keeping PSG as one of the favourites to win the latter during the second half of the campaign.
However, speculation persists regarding the Argentina international's future with the 35-year-old allowed to hold formal discussions with foreign clubs from January onwards.
On more than one occasion, it has been reported that Messi has no intention of entering discussions with PSG until after the World Cup, which starts in Qatar on November 20.
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Although it remains possible that PSG can extend his terms by an extra 12 months, the uncertainty has left the door open to other clubs, including former club Barcelona.
As a result of their Champions League exit, however, the Catalan giants are already adrift of their own financial forecasts, putting them back under pressure to balance the books over the coming months.
With Barcelona now effectively outsiders to secure a reunion with Messi, other teams come into the equation, and The Athletic states that Inter Miami are becoming 'increasingly confident' of winning the race.
While Messi has been linked with a move to the MLS and Florida, in particular in the past, there has been the suggestion that he may look to extend his stint in Europe if possible.
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However, the report says that discussions between the parties have continued for some time, and numerous meetings are said to have recently taken place.
Co-owners Jorge Mas and Jose Mas have allegedly held talks with Jorge Messi - Lionel's father - and it has seemingly kept the MLS club at the front of the queue.
Despite Inter Miami's season having recently reached a conclusion for 2022, there is no prospect of Messi moving elsewhere until next June at the earliest.
Phil Neville's side have just enjoyed a much-improved campaign, finishing in sixth position in the Eastern Conference to qualify for the MLS playoffs, where they were eliminated in the first round.
Changes to the squad will be made over the coming months with Messi's long-time national side teammate Gonzalo Higuain departing the club having announced his retirement.
Darren Plant
