Lionel Messi, one of football’s greatest icons, has officially signed a new contract with Inter Miami CF that will keep the Argentine superstar in Major League Soccer (MLS) until the end of the 2028 season, the club announced on Thursday. The move cements Messi’s legacy as the face of football in North America and signals his long-term commitment to the Miami-based franchise.
Messi: “I’m Truly Happy to Keep Going Here”
In a celebratory post on the club’s official X account, Inter Miami shared a video of Messi signing his new deal at the under-construction Miami Freedom Park stadium, accompanied by the caption: “He’s Home.”
“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,” Messi said in a club statement.
“Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”
The 38-year-old World Cup-winning captain from Argentina first joined Inter Miami in 2023 after two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His new deal means he will remain active through and beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
David Beckham: “Messi’s Commitment Inspires the Next Generation”
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham hailed the extension as a milestone for both the club and U.S. soccer as a whole.
“He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win,” Beckham said.
“To have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done so much to inspire the next generation of young talent, we feel very lucky.”
Messi’s influence has been transformative since his MLS debut — boosting attendance, merchandise sales, and global attention for the league. His presence has turned Inter Miami into one of the most followed football clubs in the world.
MLS Commissioner: “A Turning Point for North American Football”
MLS Commissioner Don Garber described Messi’s contract renewal as a defining moment for 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,” Garber said.
“His decision to stay further underscores MLS’s growth on the global stage.”
Messi’s Journey: From Barcelona Legend to MLS Star
Messi spent 17 years at FC Barcelona (2004–2021), winning 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and countless individual honors, including eight Ballon d’Or awards.
After leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Messi made history again by guiding his nation to a Copa America victory in 2024, reaffirming his place among the all-time greats.
At the international level, he has scored 114 goals for Argentina — and remains just three goals shy of Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 career World Cup goals.
A Record-Breaking MLS Career
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has rewritten MLS records.
- 2024 MLS MVP: Voted Most Valuable Player despite Miami’s early playoff exit.
- 2025 Golden Boot Winner: Scored 29 goals in 28 matches, leading the league.
- Fastest to 40 MLS Goals: Achieved the feat in record time earlier this year.
- Playoff Return: Guided Miami to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference and back into the MLS playoffs.
Just last weekend, Messi capped off the regular season with a hat-trick in a 5-2 win over Nashville SC, further solidifying his dominance at 38 years old.
Looking Ahead: Messi and Miami’s Future
The new contract ensures Messi will lead Inter Miami into its next chapter at Miami Freedom Park, a state-of-the-art stadium set to open in 2026. With the 2028 expiration date, Messi will be part of the club’s long-term vision — both on the pitch and as an ambassador for football growth in the U.S.
The Argentine captain’s enduring excellence continues to draw comparisons with longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who could match Messi’s record if both appear in a sixth World Cup next year.
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