Inter Miami confirms Messi's contract renewal until 2028
The club announced on Thursday that Lionel Messi has secured a contract renewal with Inter Miami, ensuring the Argentine legend stays in Major League Soccer right up to the conclusion of the 2028 campaign.
Inter Miamis account on X shared a clip showing Messi finalising the agreement while seated at a table inside the developing Freedom Park stadium, accompanied by the straightforward caption "Hes Home".
"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, 38, stated in an official club release.
"Since I arrived in Miami, Ive been very happy, so Im truly glad to keep going here," Messi further commented.
David Beckham, co owner of Inter Miami, noted that Messis choice to prolong his stay highlights his "commitment to the city, to the club, to the game".
"Hes still as committed as hes ever been and he still wants to win," Beckham remarked. "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."
The World Cup victors existing agreement concludes after the 2025 MLS season.
An updated arrangement was anticipated following reports from club insiders to AFP last month indicating a deal had been finalised.
Messis renewed terms guarantee his involvement in top level matches through and well beyond the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The event kicks off on June 11, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 following a challenging period at Paris Saint Germain, though the majority of his outstanding career unfolded at Barcelona from 2004 to 2021, having risen through the clubs youth ranks.
During his time at Barcelona, he secured the La Liga championship 10 times and claimed the UEFA Champions League title four times.
In 2022, he guided Argentina to triumph at the World Cup in Qatar and has voiced intentions to defend the title in the upcoming tournament.
He has netted 114 goals for his country and lifted the Copa America twice with Argentina, in 2021 and 2024.
MLS scoring records
Messi has the chance to feature in a sixth World Cup next year, establishing a fresh benchmark, though his long standing competitor Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal might equal it.
The recipient of eight Ballon dOr awards needs only three more strikes to surpass Miroslav Kloses all time mark of 16 World Cup goals.
Argentina secured their qualification for next years tournament with ease, topping the South American standings by nine points.
Messi topped the scoring charts with eight goals, featuring a double in potentially his final home qualifier against Venezuela a fortnight back.
Despite Inter Miamis playoff exit, he earned the title of MLS Most Valuable Player for the 2024 season.
In 2025, he achieved 40 goals in MLS quicker than any other player in history.
This term, Messi has steered Miami into the postseason once more, securing third position in the Eastern Conference.
He closed out Inter Miamis regular season fixtures with an impressive hat trick in Saturdays 5 2 victory over Nashville SC, totalling 29 goals across 28 appearances to claim the MLS Golden Boot accolade.