Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami decline contracts of 6 players as MLS giants announce year-end roster decisions
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have modified their roster ahead of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. The Florida-based club announced their year-end roster decisions on Monday, December 9, with six players' contracts being declined.
Following a relatively successful 2024 campaign, Inter Miami will set their sights on bigger achievements in 2025. The Herons won the Supporters' Shield and set the MLS record of 74 points in a single regular season. However, they suffered a disappointing first-round loss to Atalanta United in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Now, with the new season in view, the club have adjusted their squad. They've exercised seven contract options and declined six others. Cole Jensen, Felipe Valencia, Lawson Sunderland, Franco Negri, Serhiy Kryvtsov and Matias Rojas will not have their contracts renewed before the new campaign.
Meanwhile, star defender Jordi Alba is among those whose contracts have been extended. The club had in November handed star forward Luis Suarez a one-season contract extension. As part of a revamp, former Barcelona and Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano was appointed to replace Tata Martino at the helm.
Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami does not expire until December 2025. The 37-year-old has been an instrumental player for the side since joining on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2023. He has recorded 34 goals and 18 assists in 39 games for the MLS outfit.
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami want to sign 31-year-old Argentine star next year: Reports
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami want to sign Argentine goalkeeper Nahuel Losada in 2025. According to a report by journalist Uriel Lugt, the Herons are keen on adding the 31-year-old shot-stopper to their ranks ahead of the new season.
Losada currently plays for Argentine Primera Division side Lanus. If he does join Inter Miami, he will have to compete with first-choice goalie Drake Callender for a spot in Javier Mascherano's setup.
Losada has yet to feature for the Argentina national team and thus has no experience playing alongside Lionel Messi. He has spent his entire career in Argentina playing for clubs like Estudiantes, Union Mar del Plata, All Boys, and Belgrano.