Lionel Messi could take a big blow if Inter Miami star tackles uncertain contract for 2026: ‘A lot can happen’

Lionel Messi is having his best season Major League Footballleading InterMiami to their first MLS Cup final in club history. Looking ahead to the 2026 campaign, however, the team captain could suffer a major blow as a key teammate has opened the door to a possible departure: “Many things can happen.”

With 29 goals and 16 assists in 28 games, Messi shone throughout the regular season, but in the play-offs Tadeo Allende has emerged as Miami’s other elite scoring threat. With his loan deal set to expire in December 2025, the Argentine forward has become a growing concern for Miami’s long-term plans.

After the win against New York City FC, where he recorded a hat-trick, Allende was asked about his future and whether he would rather go back to Europe or stay in Miami, and his answer only fueled uncertainty: “I don’t know, a lot of things could happen. Right now I just want to celebrate and see what happens. I have to play a final next weekend and that’s what I’m concentrating on.“

Allende joined Inter Miami on a one-year loan from Celta Vigo at the start of the 2025 seasonand to keep him, Miami will have to negotiate a second loan or a permanent contract with the Spanish club. The market value of the winger is €3 million according to Transfer marketand no purchase option has been made public.

According to Argentinian transfer expert César Luis Merlo Inter Miami has already opened talks to keep Allende for 2026. However, they are expected to face strong competition as River Plate have also shown interest, a development that could complicate Miami’s attempts to retain one of their breakout stars.

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Allende and the chance to make MLS history

Messi has dominated headlines by producing his best statistical season since joining the MLS, but during this year’s play-offs, Allende was the one carrying the scoring load. His recent performances have put him within reach of an important piece of league history.

Allende has scored eight goals in matches against Nashville SC, FC Cincinnati and NYCFC. If he finds the net against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, he will set the record for most goals in a single MLS postseasonsurpassing Carlos Ruiz’s eight for LA Galaxy in 2002. The list currently looks like this:

1. Tadeo Allende (2025 season) – Inter Miami: 8 goals.
2. Carlos Ruiz (2002) – LA Galaxy: 8 goals.
3. Lionel Messi (2025) – Inter Miami: 6 goals.
4. Robbie Keane (2012) – LA Galaxy: 6 goals.
5. Dejan Joveljic (2024) – LA Galaxy: 6 goals.
6. Jozy Altidore (2016) – Toronto FC: 5 goals.

Before the MLS Cup final, Allende was asked about the opportunity to make history, but his answer remained modest: “Breaking a record is not easy at all. I wasn’t aware of it, but I’m just doing my job. When it’s my turn to score, I enjoy it, and when it’s not my turn and I have to make an assist or push forward, I do that. Hopefully I can do that in the final.“