Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas is “optimistic” that Lionel Messi and the rest of his high-profile Barcelona alumni will all extend their contracts with the MLS outfit. But that isn’t where the club’s recruitment ambitions end.

The summer of soccer will take a new look this year with the FIFA Club World Cup, which comes to the U.S. for the first edition of the expanded competition that will see 32 teams from around the world compete for a share of the $1 billion prize purse.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas told ESPN Monday that negotiations with Lionel Messi over a new contract remain ongoing, but said he's optimistic the team captain will be with the club to inaugurate its new stadium Miami Freedom Park in March 2026.