Official: Lionel Messi extends contract with Inter Miami
Messi has extended his stay in MLS
Lionel Messi has signed a new contract at Inter Miami that ties him to the Major League Soccer club until 2028.
The Argentina superstar’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the year but he has opted to remain in South Florida and lead the club into their new stadium which is set to open for the start of the 2026 MLS season.
Messi has had a transformative effect on the US domestic league since joining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 with sell-out crowds wherever Miami play and major new commercial deals.
A new contract has been in the pipeline for several months and confirmation arrived a day before Miami’s playoff opener against Nashville. Miami are the number three seed in the Eastern Conference and will host Game 1 of the best-of-three series on Friday night.
Messi is now 38 years of age but shows no sign of slowing down.
He was the league’s MVP last season and is the overwhelming favorite to win the award again this year.
No-one has ever won the award in successive years before. Preki is the only player to have won it twice after claiming it in 1997 and 2003.
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Messi excited by Miami future
Speaking after completing his social media duties at the club’s new stadium, Messi said: “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park. Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.
“We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be finished — to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”
David Beckham – We are very lucky to have Lionel Messi
“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done,” said Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
“We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the Club, and to the game. He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win. As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky.”
Messi has yet to announce he will definitely play at the World Cup next summer but it seems inconceivable the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will pass up the chance to captain his country as they attempt to defend the title they won in Qatar three years ago.