Griezmann to Remain at Atletico Madrid, Delaying Potential MLS Move

The French forward will stay in Spain for at least two more seasons, dashing hopes of an immediate Messi-Griezmann matchup in MLS.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Atletico Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany has confirmed that Antoine Griezmann will remain with the club for this season and the next two seasons, dashing rumors of a potential move to MLS. Griezmann, 34, had been linked to a possible transfer to Orlando City, but Alemany stated the French forward is in "an extraordinary moment of form" and will continue playing for Atletico. This means the much-anticipated matchup between Griezmann and his longtime rival Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in MLS, will have to wait.

Why it matters

Griezmann's decision to stay in Spain is a blow to MLS's efforts to continue attracting top global talent, especially with the high-profile arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. The potential Messi-Griezmann rivalry was seen as a major selling point for the league, but that showdown will now have to wait at least a couple more years.

The details

According to reports, Griezmann had been linked to a possible move to Orlando City, but Atletico Madrid's sporting director Mateu Alemany stated the French forward will remain with the club for this season and the next two seasons. Griezmann, 34, is the all-time leading scorer for Atletico Madrid and helped France win the 2018 World Cup before retiring from international soccer in 2024. This season, he has scored 12 goals in all competitions, though he has lost some of his leading role under manager Diego Simeone.

  • Griezmann will remain with Atletico Madrid for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 seasons.

The players

Antoine Griezmann

A 34-year-old French forward who is the all-time leading scorer for Atletico Madrid and helped France win the 2018 World Cup.

Lionel Messi

The Argentine superstar who currently plays for Inter Miami in MLS after a storied career with Barcelona.

Mateu Alemany

The sporting director of Atletico Madrid who confirmed Griezmann will remain with the club.

Diego Simeone

The manager of Atletico Madrid who has been carefully managing Griezmann's minutes this season.

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What they’re saying

“Antoine Griezmann is in an extraordinary moment of form and considering that he is a legend and the level he is showing, he will be applauded as always. He is with us and he will continue with us.”

— Mateu Alemany, Atletico Madrid Sporting Director

“These things are always better when the player speaks directly and explains what he truly wants to say. We always want the best for him, first as a person and for his family, because I care about him a lot, and he will decide when the time comes to say something.”

— Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid Manager

What’s next

Griezmann and Atletico Madrid will face Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final on April 18, and they will also take on Tottenham in the Champions League round of 16 next week.

The takeaway

Griezmann's decision to remain in Spain is a setback for MLS's efforts to continue attracting top global talent, as the potential Messi-Griezmann rivalry in the league will have to wait. However, Griezmann's continued excellence for Atletico Madrid shows he still has plenty to offer at the highest levels of European soccer.