With the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup in the bag, Inter Miami are expected to sign several new stars before the start of next term. But Lionel Messi’s side are believed to have ended their pursuit of a German international of late.
So, who is the mystery man, and why is the Messi-captained club unwilling to sign him?
Messi’s Team Prioritize Contract Renewal Over New Signing
According to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano, Inter Miami are currently not in talks with RB Leipzig over a potential transfer of Timo Werner despite links in the past. They are now entirely focused on securing Luis Suarez’s future.
Messi’s outfit are currently in advanced talks with Suarez over a potential one-year contract extension. They are aware that the Uruguayan striker was key to their maiden MLS Cup win earlier this month and are unwilling to lose him on a free, as per Romano.
Suarez, whose current contract will expire on Dec. 31 this year, was left on the bench in his team’s 3-1 2025 MLS Cup final victory over Vancouver Whitecaps. However, he registered 17 goals and as many assists in 50 overall outings for Messi’s club in the 2024-2025 season.
On the other hand, Werner could still have a future in the MLS next year, with several different teams interested in signing him. The former Chelsea man has made only two overall appearances for RB Leipzig in the ongoing 2025-26 campaign.
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Barcelona Presidential Candidate Vows To Bring Messi Back
Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ciria has claimed that the Blaugrana still need Messi, and he will try his best to facilitate a potential homecoming for the Inter Miami star.
“We already said in 2021 that he was the best generational bridge in sporting terms and an economic engine. We need Leo Messi and we will do whatever it takes to bring him back. We are a candidacy to win the next Barça elections, of course we are, but above all we want to preserve the legacy,” Ciria said (via GOAL).
Messi, who has a contract until December 2028 at Inter Miami, sparked conversations after his visit to Camp Nou last month. He had revealed his love for Barcelona in an Instagram post in November.
“Last night, I returned to a place I miss with my soul. A place where I was immensely happy, where you guys made me feel a thousand times the happiest person in the world. I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner wrote on Instagram.
