Lionel Messi is staying in South Florida. The global football icon has officially signed a contract extension with Inter Miami, ensuring his presence in Major League Soccer through the 2028 season. The announcement, made by the club on Thursday, cements Messi’s long-term commitment to both Inter Miami and the continued growth of soccer in the United States.
Inter Miami Confirms Messi’s Extension
Inter Miami shared the news in fitting fashion via its official X account, posting a video of Messi signing the contract while seated in the center of the club’s under-construction stadium. The post was simply captioned, “He’s Home.”
Sources close to the negotiations confirmed that the deal extends Messi’s stay until the end of the 2028 MLS season, securing the Argentine legend’s future in Miami beyond the 2026 World Cup. His previous contract was set to expire after the 2025 campaign.
Messi’s Ongoing Impact in North America
The extension means Messi, now 38, will continue to feature prominently in Major League Soccer well past the next World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament begins June 11, 2026, with the final slated for July 19 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, marking a new chapter following nearly two decades of dominance at FC Barcelona. During his glittering spell in Spain, he won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in football history.
A Legendary Career Still in Motion
Messi’s international career has been equally remarkable. He led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022 and has already lifted two Copa América titles — in 2021 and 2024. With 114 goals for Argentina, he remains the nation’s all-time leading scorer and is eyeing another World Cup appearance next year, potentially his sixth — a record-setting feat that could be matched only by Cristiano Ronaldo.
He is also just three goals shy of Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals.
Dominance in MLS
Since his arrival, Messi has taken Major League Soccer by storm. In 2024, he claimed the league’s Most Valuable Player award despite Inter Miami’s early playoff exit. The following season, he became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 40 goals.
This year, Messi has once again been instrumental in guiding Miami to the playoffs, finishing third in the Eastern Conference. He capped the regular season in style, netting a hat-trick in a 5–2 victory over Nashville SC — a performance that secured him the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals in 28 matches.
