Messi Addresses Rivalry, MLS Struggles, Contract Speculation

Lionel Messi recently reflected on his historic rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting how their competition pushed them both to greater heights and created a golden era for football fans. Despite this legacy, Messi's current stint at Inter Miami has been challenging, with the team suffering poor results, including a recent 3-0 loss to Orlando City and elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Messi emphasized the need for unity and resilience during these tough times and expressed determination to finish the month strong ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Regarding his future in MLS, Messi gave a blunt denial when asked about contract renewal, while Inter Miami management remains hopeful for an extension to maintain team stability and boost the league's profile. Additionally, Messi criticized the officiating in MLS following the Orlando City defeat, specifically pointing out questionable refereeing decisions that affected his team's performance. Inter Miami's defensive struggles have been pronounced lately, conceding 20 goals in seven games, raising concerns ahead of upcoming international competitions.