Lionel Messi's contract at Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of December this year.
Despite several officials of the Herons suggesting that Messi would be signing a new contract soon, no new deal has been in sight as of yet. This prompted questions about the Argentine icon's future at the Major League Soccer club.
Now, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has told ESPN that he and the club want Messi to conclude his career with the Herons while expressing hope that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner signs a new contract 'as soon as possible.'
"I previously said that my wish, my dream would be for the number 10 to inaugurate our new stadium in March. This is a decision that rests on Messi. We wish for Messi to finish his career here. I said a few months ago that we should have news in the summer about that but hopefully it will be as soon as possible," he said.
Mas claimed that Inter Miami have done 'everything possible' to accommodate Messi at the club.
What did the Inter Miami co-owner say about Leo Messi?
Speaking further about Messi's potential contract extension, Mas mentioned that he remains 'optimistic' and added,
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"But I am optimistic because we have done everything possible for Leo to feel at home, to feel comfortable. I always said that he is a competitive animal, he wants to win. I hope we can raise many trophies together here at Inter Miami in the coming years. Here, we're just waiting to be able to give the fans the good news about Lionel Messi."
Mas also spoke about how Inter Miami aim to win more accolades with Messi in the squad and hope that they 'remain together for many more years.'
"We are a little selfish, we would like to see more trophies and obviously with Messi here. I won't speak for Messi, but I speak for me and the club. Lionel from day one has said he wants to compete and win. He is a competitive animal. Obviously we want to assure that we have the best roster to compete at the highest levels. We'd have to ask Leo, but I think he knows we are doing everything possible," he said.
"There is no tool that the league provides us that we have not used to better this roster: signing young players, finding other cracks. For next year, find another star player because we have the space in the roster. From our part, there is not much missing. There is no rush, we don't need to do it today or tomorrow, but soon we will know Messi's decision and hopefully we remain together for many more years," concluded Mas.
While Inter Miami and their fans will be eagerly waiting for Messi's decision, the Herons are also currently preparing for their first match of the Club World Cup on June 14, against Egyptian side Al Ahly in Hard Rock Stadium, Florida.
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