Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has officially signed a three-year contract extension with Inter Miami, keeping him at the club until 2028.
This announcement was made on Thursday and it puts an end to months of speculation about his future and provides a huge boost to both the club and Major League Soccer (MLS).
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi’s arrival has transformed the profile of the league. The reigning 2024 MLS MVP remains a strong contender to retain the award this season after another remarkable campaign.
The announcement was accompanied by a social media post declaring “HE’S HOME,” featuring Messi signing his new deal inside the team’s soon-to-be-completed Freedom Park stadium. The privately funded $1 billion arena, located near Miami International Airport, is expected to open in 2026 and seat 25,000 fans.
Messi’s decision to extend his stay ensures Inter Miami keeps its biggest star and one of world football’s greatest-ever players as they prepare to enter a new era.
Since Lionel Messi’s debut in 2023, he has scored 50 goals and provided 35 assists in just 53 league appearances. He led the Herons to their first-ever trophies: the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024. He also clinched the 2025 MLS Golden Boot after netting 29 goals this season.
Speaking ahead of Miami’s playoff clash against Nashville, manager Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s influence both on and off the pitch.
“To watch him enjoy what he does is special. He’s very, very competitive and tries to pass that on to the team,” Mascherano said. “Our job is to make sure he’s comfortable on the pitch because when things are working right for him, success usually follows.”
While Messi’s club future is secure, questions remain about whether he will feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 38-year-old admitted he’s unsure if his body will allow him to compete at that level again.
“As I’ve said before, I don’t think I’ll play another World Cup… at my age, it’s only logical to think I might not,” he told TyC Sports after Argentina’s final home qualifier.
Messi explained that his decision will depend on how he feels closer to the tournament: “Day by day, I try to feel good and be honest with myself. If I’m enjoying it, I’ll keep playing. But if not, I won’t force it. I’ll finish the season, have preseason, and in six months, I’ll see how I feel.”
If Messi wins the MLS MVP again this year, he will become the first player in league history to do so in consecutive seasons. He’s also eyeing his 47th major career trophy, an achievement that could come if Inter Miami lift the MLS Cup later this year.
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