Lionel Messi has officially extended his contract with Inter Miami, committing to the Major League Soccer club until the end of the 2028 season. The announcement was made on Friday, with the club sharing a video of Messi signing the contract at the new Freedom Park stadium, currently under construction. The video included the caption: “He’s Home.”
In a statement, the 38-year-old Argentine superstar expressed his happiness at continuing his journey in Miami. “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality,” Messi said. He highlighted the joy of playing at the new stadium and emphasized his satisfaction since joining the club.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham praised Messi’s commitment, stating that it reflects his dedication to the city, the club, and the sport itself. “He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win,” Beckham noted. The presence of a player of Messi’s caliber, who has significantly influenced soccer in the United States, is seen as a tremendous asset for the franchise.
Messi’s previous contract, which is set to end after the 2025 MLS season, was a three-year deal worth approximately $150 million (AU$230.4 million). While specific details of the new contract have not been disclosed, it is anticipated to be substantial. This extension ensures Messi will remain active in competitive soccer long after the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The decision to extend Messi’s contract had been expected, following reports from club sources indicating an agreement was imminent. His arrival in Major League Soccer in 2023 has been transformative, driving record attendance and ticket revenues across the league. “When Lionel Messi made MLS his league of choice, it marked a turning point — not just for Inter Miami, but for our entire sport in North America,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
Messi’s illustrious career began with FC Barcelona, where he played from 2004 to 2021, winning multiple titles, including 10 La Liga championships and 4 UEFA Champions League trophies. In 2022, he led Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar and has expressed his ambition to defend the title in the upcoming tournament. Currently, he has scored 114 international goals and clinched the Copa America twice with Argentina, in 2021 and 2024.
As Messi prepares for a potential sixth World Cup appearance next year, he could set a new record, although he may be matched by his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is also just three goals shy of breaking Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 career World Cup goals. Argentina secured their place in the finals, topping the South American qualifying table by nine points, with Messi finishing as the top scorer with eight goals.
This season, Messi has played a pivotal role in Inter Miami’s resurgence, leading the team back into the playoffs after finishing third in the Eastern Conference. He concluded the regular season with a remarkable hat-trick in a 5-2 victory over Nashville SC, bringing his season total to 29 goals from 28 matches, earning him the MLS Golden Boot award.
As Messi continues to define his legacy in the sport, his extension with Inter Miami signifies not only a personal commitment but also a broader impact on soccer in North America.
