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<ul><li>Inter Miami face Necaxa on Saturday</li><li>Mascherano says it’ll be a great match vs Fernando Gago</li><li>The Herons opened Leagues Cup campaign with a win</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n" rel="sponsored"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

'We all hope he renews his contract' - Javier Mascherano says negotiations to extend Leo Messi's stay with Inter Miami are being handled 'privately' but he's optimisic

Leagues Cup

Inter Miami CF

Necaxa

<p>Leagues Cup is underway, but the topic of Lionel Messi's potential contract renewal with Inter Miami is never far away. There has been <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/lionel-messi-emulates-cristiano-ronaldo-inter-miami-superstar-huge-future-call-2028-mls-contract/blte76f9c325d4e828f" target="_blank">increased speculation</a> that Argentine could extend his stay with the club through 2028.</p><p>Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Leagues Cup clash against Necaxa, Maimi coach Javier Mascherano addressed Messi's status.</p><p>“Regarding Leo, we all hope he renews his contract," he said. "It’ll be a decision between him and the club - it’s something they’ve been discussing privately. When the time is right, and if they reach an agreement, they’ll announce it. I also saw those rumors, but all I can say is that we’re all hopeful he’ll stay with us."</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Lionel Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is set to expire in December, but the Herons have no intention of letting him go - the club is reportedly looking to extend his deal for several more years. According to multiple reports, Inter Miami is interested in offering the Argentine star a three-year extension.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The Argentine coach hinted that Messi will start this Saturday against Necaxa, emphasizing the advantage of playing several matches at home.</p><p>"Leo made it clear the other day - it was a message between the lines," he said. "He feels much better playing than resting. Before the match against Cincinnati, he was carrying a bit of fatigue, and thankfully he was able to rest.</p><p>"We’re lucky to be playing several games at home, we don’t have to travel, and over the next two weeks, we’ll be staying around here, so there shouldn’t be a problem. Unless Leo feels tired and lets us know, the plan is for him to always play."</p>

WHAT MASCHERANO SAID

<p>The Herons host Necaxa on Saturday looking to secure their second Leagues Cup win - a result that would give them breathing room and bring them closer to the next round, where only four teams advance.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

'We all hope he renews his contract' - Javier Mascherano says negotiations to extend Leo Messi's stay with Inter Miami are being handled 'privately' but he's optimisic | Goal.com

The Argentine star could extend his stay with the Herons, with some speculating that he could play three more years

&apos;We all hope he renews his contract&apos; - Javier Mascherano says negotiations to extend Leo Messi&apos;s stay with Inter Miami are being handled &apos;privately&apos; but he&apos;s optimisic

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