Argentine legend signs through 2028, positioning himself for history and strengthening Miami’s global appeal
Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension with Inter Miami CF, confirming he will stay with the club through the end of the 2028 Major League Soccer season. The new deal not only secures the presence of one of football’s all-time greats in North America but also fuels hopes that Messi will feature in a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2026.
At 38, Messi’s renewed commitment comes after months of negotiations and signals his intention to lead Miami into its highly anticipated new home at Miami Freedom Park. The Argentine expressed deep satisfaction at remaining in Florida, stating, “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project. Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here”.
Messi’s impact since arriving in July 2023 has been transformative. He has led the club to its first two trophies, winning the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2024, while picking up both the league’s MVP award and the 2025 Golden Boot. His leadership, scoring, and historic assists have turned Inter Miami into a magnet for global football attention and commercial success, paving the way for the team’s new stadium and international ambitions.
The extension, previously reported to run for three years with the option for a fourth, will see Messi playing in Miami until he is 41, potentially concluding his club career in MLS and setting him up for a historic shot at the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States. This could make him the first male footballer to appear in six editions of the tournament.
Off the field, Messi’s renewal is a strategic coup for both the club and MLS, strengthening their global brand and commercial reach. American media highlight his ongoing partnerships with Adidas and Apple, along with a potential future shareholding stake in the club. His salary and off-field earnings, which top those of any other player in the league, ensure that his influence extends far beyond the pitch.
With teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets having recently announced their retirements, Messi’s long-term presence underlines his commitment to the club’s project and looks set to inspire future generations of footballers in the United States and worldwide.
