Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas is reportedly ‘highly confident’ over what Lionel Messi will do when his contract with the Herons expires.

The Argentine international joined the Florida franchise last year after being released from PSG, signing for Inter Miami on an MLS-record-breaking contract worth between $50m and $60m until 2025 with an option to extend until 2026.

With Messi seemingly loving life in Florida and transforming Inter Miami into one of the must-see sporting teams in the United States, American soccer fans will be hopeful that the 36-year-old sticks around in MLS for as long as possible.

And for Inter Miami owner Mas, that’s exactly what he predicts will happen with Messi.

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Inter Miami owner ‘highly confident’ Messi will stay until 2026

In an interview with Forbes magazine, Mas hinted that he is ‘highly confident’ that Messi will remain in Florida until 2026, with the American businessman believing that Inter Miami is the right environment for the Argentine to end his career.

With Messi pushing 40 when his contract with Inter Miami extends if the Argentine opts to trigger his one year extension, the forward remaining in MLS for that long could be massive in building the reputation of the entire league.

Moreover, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to the United States, Messi still playing soccer for Inter Miami when that rolls around could result in the reigning Ballon d’Or winner becoming an ambassador of sorts for the competition.

Indeed, Messi staying at Messi until the very end of his Inter Miami contract would be a huge win for MLS, and Mas’ confidence should be something that Herons supporters grasp with both hands.

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Messi can change the face of soccer forever in America

Messi has only been in MLS for 10 months, yet the former FC Barcelona star has already done more for the sport of soccer than anyone who has come before him in the United States.

Interest in the sport has exploded with the Florida franchise quickly becoming one of the most recognized teams in all of soccer, all because of Messi and the spotlight the forward has put on the Herons.

And in the next two years, America could become a real force in soccer if Messi can continue to perform and continue to use his reputation to increased the quality of MLS.