Inter Miami’s recent 4-0 defeat to PSG in the round of 16 of the 2025 Club World Cup, played on June 29 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, marked a turning point in Lionel Messi’s career. The Argentine star, visibly shaken after the match, announced his departure from the American club, where he has shone since his arrival in 2023, to accept an unexpected offer from Real Madrid. This move, which has shaken the football world, came after a direct invitation from Real Madrid’s management, who expressed their enthusiasm with the words: “This summer, we will have Messi.” The news, confirmed in the last few hours, opens a new chapter in the career of the 38-year-old player, who returns to Spain after his time at PSG and his time in the MLS.

The match against PSG, an emotional reunion for Messi after his time with the Parisian club between 2021 and 2023, ended with a thrashing that eliminated Inter Miami from the tournament. Goals from Joao Neves, an own goal from Tomás Avilés, and strikes from Achraf Hakimi reflected the superiority of Luis Enrique’s team, the Champions League winners. Despite Messi’s efforts, who had clear chances but was neutralized by the Parisian defense, the result marked the end of his adventure with the Garzas. In a press conference afterward, coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged his team’s efforts but admitted that the difference in level with the Europeans was evident, suggesting that Messi’s future could lie elsewhere.

The move to Spain comes as a surprise, given that Messi had found a personal and professional refuge in Miami after the tensions he experienced in Paris. However, sources close to the player indicate that the offer from Real Madrid, a club with which he had never competed directly during his time at Barcelona, ​​was irresistible. Real Madrid’s management, led by Florentino Pérez, has seen Messi as an opportunity to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2025-2026 season, especially following the departure of Luka Modric and the need for a leader in attack. “We have always admired his talent, and now is the time to join forces to write history together,” the club stated, suggesting that the Argentine could occupy the iconic number 10, which was recently released.

The financial and media impact of this transfer is incalculable. Inter Miami, whose value has multiplied since Messi’s arrival, could receive significant compensation, while Real Madrid hopes for an increase in match attendance and a boost to its global brand. Fans, torn between nostalgia for their rivalry with Barcelona and the excitement of seeing him in the white shirt, are already filling social media with speculation about his debut, which could come in the next preseason friendly. Furthermore, Messi’s arrival could influence the transfer market, with rumors that the club is looking for a complementary striker to form a lethal duo.

On a sporting level, Messi’s adaptation to the playing style of Xabi Alonso, the current Real Madrid coach, will be key. Alonso, who has implemented a system based on possession and high pressing, is confident that the Argentine’s experience and vision will mesh perfectly with players like Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo. However, Messi’s age and recent match load raise questions about his physical stamina, especially after a grueling schedule with Inter Miami and the Club World Cup. The Real Madrid coaching staff is planning a rotation plan to ensure his longevity, an approach that had already been successful under Gerardo Martino in Miami.

The announcement has generated mixed reactions. While some celebrate the arrival of a legend at the Santiago Bernabéu, others question whether this decision is more a commercial than a sporting strategy. Be that as it may, Messi is preparing for a new challenge in a league he knows well, but this time defending the colors of his eternal rival. The details of the contract, which would include a multimillion-dollar salary and title bonuses, are still being negotiated, but the truth is that Spanish football is preparing for a historic summer with the arrival of the Argentine genius. The wait to see Messi in action with Real Madrid has begun, and expectations are sky-high