Inter Miami fans have every reason to celebrate. Superstar Lionel Messi has officially signed a new three-year contract extension with the Major League Soccer (MLS) club, keeping him in South Florida until 2028. The announcement comes just as Inter Miami prepares to face Nashville SC in the opening round of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs at Fort Lauderdale on Friday night.
Messi’s Contract Extension: A Boost for Miami’s Future
The renewed contract, reportedly finalized earlier this month, ensures that Messi remains the face of Inter Miami as the club prepares to move into its highly anticipated Miami Freedom Park stadium next season. The new deal extends his current contract, which was set to expire in 2026, by two additional years.
Messi expressed his joy at continuing his journey with Miami during a celebratory event at the Freedom Park site.
“It makes me really happy to stay here and continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality,” Messi said. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”
The Argentine legend’s commitment solidifies Inter Miami’s long-term vision to become a dominant force in MLS and a global football brand, led by co-owner David Beckham.
Inter Miami Aims for First MLS Cup Title
Messi’s focus now turns to leading Inter Miami—the third seed in the Eastern Conference—through their playoff campaign. The Herons are seeking redemption after their early elimination by Atlanta United in last season’s playoffs.
The 38-year-old captain enters the postseason in blistering form. He closed out the regular season with a hat-trick and an assist in Miami’s 5-2 win over Nashville, securing the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals. His performance not only reaffirmed his dominance but also made him the league’s top scorer for 2025.
Inter Miami comes into the playoffs riding a five-game winning streak against Nashville and remains unbeaten in eight matches across all competitions since Messi’s debut in July 2023. The Argentine has scored 10 goals in seven matches against Nashville — more than against any other MLS opponent.
Nashville’s Challenge: A Battle of Offense and Defense
Despite Miami’s momentum, Nashville SC poses a serious challenge. Led by the attacking duo of Sam Surridge (24 goals) and Hany Mukhtar (16 goals), Nashville boasts one of the most potent offenses in the league this season.
Manager BJ Callaghan acknowledged both the positives and shortcomings from their recent encounter with Miami, saying:
“It was a tale of two halves. There are lessons to learn from the second half, but also positives to take from the first. We’ll blend those together and come out stronger next week.”
Analysts expect a fierce matchup between Messi’s creative brilliance and Nashville’s disciplined defensive structure. For Miami, the key will be maintaining attacking rhythm while tightening its backline, which has been inconsistent in key moments.
Miami Freedom Park: A New Era for Inter Miami
Messi’s extended contract ensures that he will be part of Inter Miami’s biggest milestone yet — the opening of the Miami Freedom Park stadium in 2026. The world-class facility is expected to redefine the club’s global presence and attract record attendance.
With Messi’s continued influence, Miami is positioning itself as MLS’s top destination for international stars. The club has already seen surging ticket sales, global streaming demand, and merchandise revenue since Messi’s arrival in 2023.
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi signs a three-year extension with Inter Miami, keeping him at the club through 2028.
- The Argentine superstar aims to lead Miami to its first MLS Cup title.
- Messi finishes the 2025 regular season as MLS Golden Boot winner with 29 goals.
- Inter Miami faces Nashville SC in the Eastern Conference playoffs opener.
- The extension aligns with Miami’s Freedom Park stadium launch next season.
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