Lionel Messi says his love for life in Florida — and how happy his family feels there — made his decision to extend his contract with Inter Miami through 2028 an “easy” one. The Argentine superstar spoke about balancing his health, happiness, and career ambitions while helping transform MLS on and off the pitch.
Messi: “I’m happy living in Miami”
Lionel Messi has officially committed his future to Inter Miami, signing a new three-year contract that keeps him at the MLS club until 2028. In an interview with NBC Nightly News’ Tom Llamas, the Argentine legend said his decision was guided as much by happiness and family comfort as by footballing ambition.
Honestly, I felt really good during the year, Messi said. I’m happy living in Miami, as is my family, and honestly, the decision was easy.
Messi’s words underline the sense of stability he has found since arriving in the United States in 2023. The 37-year-old emphasized that beyond football, lifestyle and mental balance played a huge role in his decision to stay. “I’ve always said I’ll base my decision on how I feel day to day — physically and mentally — to continue playing and being part of this club.”
A decision rooted in balance
The Argentine icon’s comments reflect a different chapter in his career, one defined less by chasing trophies and more by maintaining joy and balance in life. During international duty earlier this year, Messi admitted he had not yet decided whether he would play in the 2026 World Cup, citing his need to assess how he feels each season.
Day by day, I try to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself, Messi said at the time. When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don’t, honestly, I don’t enjoy it — and if that’s the case, I’d rather not be there.
Those words now carry greater meaning. Staying in Miami allows Messi to manage his body, stay close to his family, and continue shaping soccer’s growth in America without the intense physical grind of European football.
The Messi effect on MLS
Since Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami’s value has skyrocketed, reportedly more than doubling to $1.2 billion according to Sportico and Forbes. MLS attendance figures have soared, with teams averaging 14,000 more fans whenever Inter Miami play away, a 63% jump compared to their usual crowds.
The commercial ripple effects are staggering. Inter Miami’s Instagram following exploded from 1 million to nearly 18 million, making it one of the most-followed sports franchises in the U.S. Messi’s No. 10 shirt has been the top-selling jersey in MLS for three straight seasons and remains Adidas’s best-selling football shirt worldwide.
Still delivering on the pitch
Beyond the numbers, Messi’s performances remain world-class. The Argentine has scored 50 goals and provided 35 assists in 53 league appearances, dominating MLS with the same precision and creativity that defined his European career. He won the 2024 MLS MVP award and is on track to become the first player in league history to win the honour in back-to-back seasons.
Messi’s presence has also elevated Inter Miami’s competitiveness — both domestically and internationally — with the club now viewed as a model franchise for global football marketing and sporting ambition.
A new era for Messi and Inter Miami
Messi’s new deal ensures he will be central to Miami’s long-term project under David Beckham’s ownership, with continued efforts to attract world-class talent and expand the club’s brand across the Americas. His contract runs through the 2028 season, aligning with the U.S.-hosted FIFA World Cup, suggesting the Argentine could be part of the sport’s biggest spectacle one more time — this time on American soil.
For Messi, though, the choice wasn’t about legacy or records. It was about peace, purpose, and happiness. “I’m happy living in Miami,” he repeated — a simple statement that carries the weight of contentment from a player who has already conquered everything football has to offer.
