Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with Inter Miami, extending his stay with the Major League Soccer club until the end of the 2028 season.
The agreement keeps the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in the United States well into his 40s, with the deal set to carry him into Miami’s new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, which opens next year.
The Argentine superstar’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of 2025, but both parties had long been in discussions over a renewal.Inter Miami confirmed the news with a video of Messi signing the contract at the construction site of the new stadium, captioned “he’s home.”
The announcement came just days before Miami’s playoff clash with Nashville, underscoring the club’s long-term commitment to their captain.
Messi described his decision to stay as deeply satisfying. “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that has become a beautiful reality,” he said. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here. We can’t wait to play at Miami Freedom Park. It’s going to be something very special.”
Club owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham hailed the extension as a landmark moment in Inter Miami’s evolution. Mas said Messi’s decision was “an ode to our amazing city” and proof of the club’s ambition to build an iconic legacy.
Beckham added that securing Messi’s continued presence showed both the club’s and the player’s shared passion and drive. “He’s still as committed as ever and still wants to win,” Beckham said. “We feel very lucky to have him.”
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has transformed the club’s fortunes on and off the pitch. He led them to their first-ever trophies by winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, while also claiming the MLS MVP award and the 2025 Golden Boot.
Across all competitions, he has recorded 71 goals and 44 assists in 82 appearances, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer and creator. His new contract will also see him spearhead Miami’s move into their state-of-the-art Miami Freedom Park complex in 2026, a landmark moment for the club.
With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba set to retire this winter, Messi remains the cornerstone of Miami’s sporting project and the face of MLS globally.
At 38, the World Cup winner continues to redefine expectations. His enduring excellence, both as a player and ambassador, cements his legacy as one of football’s greatest figures — and ensures that Inter Miami’s most ambitious chapter is still being written.
