MLS giants lead race to sign Robert Lewandowski despite interest from Lionel Messi's Inter Miami: Reports

MLS side Chicago Fire are leading the race to sign Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami target Robert Lewandowski. The Barcelona striker will be a free agent at the end of the season and has interest from elsewhere.

According to a report in BBC Sport, Lewandowski prefers a move to the MLS over the Saudi Pro League but staying at Barcelona has not been ruled out. Chicago Fire and Inter Miami have registered interest in the Polish star, amid reports that the MLS champions were house-hunting for the striker.

Barcelona are yet to offer Lewandowski a new deal and his current contract expires at the end of the season. The striker said that he was calm about his future and was not in a hurry to make a decision. He said:

"I still don't know the answer. That's why I'm not in a hurry, I'm at peace with myself. And that is the most important thing. Even if, for example, the club contacted me now, I still wouldn't answer that question. Because I also have to feel what's best for me. Now I'm calm, I'm not in a hurry and, at the moment, I don't expect anything else."

Former Poland goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski spoke to Super Express earlier this year, saying that Lewandowski should consider leaving Barcelona soon. He believes that the striker should join an 'easier' team and said (via Mundo Deportivo):

"Robert should finish his time at Barcelona right now and go to a 'lighter' club in Saudi Arabia, as the best players in the world have done, except Lionel Messi."

"Let's face it, this is the end. Robert is not very popular in the team, and the best players in Barcelona don't pass the ball to him He stood firm. Of course, he has every right to stay. But he must realise that next season he will be a substitute."'

Inter Miami are looking at a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez, but are also in contract talks with Lionel Messi's Uruguayan teammate.

Lionel Messi extended Inter Miami contract until 2028

Lionel Messi's future at Inter Miami was in the balance this year, but the Argentine signed a new deal at the club before the end of the 2025 season. He has extended his stay until 2028, after joining the side in 2023 following the expiry of his PSG deal.

The Argentine was linked with a move back to Barcelona, but he has ruled out returning to European football. The Catalan side are also yet to recover from their financial crisis.

Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami has led to the club's most successful time on the pitch. They have won silverware in all three seasons after failing to win a trophy in their first three.