Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Agree to New Contract — Extends Stay Through 2028.

Lionel Messi isn’t done making history in Major League Soccer. The 38-year-old Argentine superstar — World Cup champion, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, and soon-to-be two-time MLS MVP — has officially signed a three-year contract extension with Inter Miami, keeping him at the club through 2028.

The announcement came Thursday, Oct. 23, as Inter Miami released a video of Messi signing his new deal inside the club’s yet-to-open Miami Freedom Park, scheduled to debut in 2026.

“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality,” Messi said in a statement. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham praised Messi’s continued drive and influence:
“He’s still as committed as he’s ever been, and he still wants to win. To have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done so much for the game in this country, we feel very lucky.”

Managing owner Jorge Mas called the deal “an ode to our amazing city,” adding, “We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together, we will continue building and dreaming.”

A Legacy Still Growing

Messi’s arrival in 2023 was a watershed moment for MLS — something commissioner Don Garber called “a turning point” for North American soccer.
“Since then, we’ve witnessed something truly historic: the greatest player of all time bringing global attention to our league,” Garber said. “We’re thrilled that Lionel has chosen to stay and continue his career with Inter Miami.”

The new deal ensures Messi remains the highest-paid player in MLS, surpassing his previous annual salary of $20.445 million. His contract also maintains a pathway for him to join Inter Miami’s ownership group — alongside Beckham and the Mas brothers — after retirement.

By the end of his extension, Messi will be 41 years old, potentially capping off an unprecedented 25-year professional career spanning Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami.

What Comes Next

Messi’s on-field impact has been staggering. He’s already Inter Miami’s all-time leader in goals (71) and assists (36), guiding the club to its first-ever trophy — the 2023 Leagues Cup — and a record-breaking 2024 season that earned them the Supporters’ Shield and his first MLS MVP.

In 2025, Messi claimed the Golden Boot with 29 goals and tied for the league lead with 19 assists — nearly breaking Carlos Vela’s all-time single-season record for total goal contributions (49).

Despite early playoff exits in 2024, Messi and Miami are determined to chase the one trophy that’s eluded them: the MLS Cup. Their journey begins Friday, Oct. 25, against Nashville SC. Coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Messi is expected to play despite minor back discomfort.

As for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Messi hasn’t made up his mind yet:
“I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup,” he said recently. “I’ll finish the season, have preseason, and then we’ll see how I feel. Hopefully, I’ll have a good preseason in 2026, finish this MLS season well, and then I’ll decide.”

Messi’s new contract isn’t just a sporting move — it’s a statement of intent. For Miami, for MLS, and for the millions of fans watching the twilight of a legend’s career, the dream continues — and the story is far from over.