Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with Inter Miami that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, Afrosport reports.
His previous deal was due to expire at the end of the 2025 season, but an extension had long been expected after reports last month confirmed an agreement in principle.
The new deal means the 38-year-old will remain active through and beyond the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“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 told the club media. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”
HE’S HOME. pic.twitter.com/AUMJJYR5pF
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 23, 2025
Since joining Miami in 2023 following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine star has helped elevate the club’s status, guiding the Herons to Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield triumphs.
Inter Miami CF Co-Owner, David Beckham, added: “Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done. 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 was named MLS Most Valuable Player in 2024 and became the fastest player to reach 40 goals in league history the following year. He won the Golden Boot as top scorer this season after scoring 29 goals – the most since 2019 – becoming the first Inter Miami player to achieve the accolade.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner led Miami to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference this season, capped off with a hat-trick in a 5–2 win over Nashville SC in their final regular season game last weekend.
Messi made his international debut for Argentina in 2005 and has 114 goals in 195 appearances for Albiceleste, who he guided to a comfortable qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, which will be the sixth of his illustrious career.
He will be in action on Friday night when the MLS play-offs kick off, with Inter Miami taking on Nashville in a best-of-three series, with the first leg set for Chase Stadium.
