Lionel Messi, one of football’s greatest players, has signed a new deal with Inter Miami, extending his stay until the end of the 2028 season.
The announcement came Thursday via Inter Miami’s X feed, featuring a video of Messi signing the contract at the under-construction Miami Freedom Park. The post was captioned simply: “He’s 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,” Messi said in a club 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 passion and dedication, describing the contract extension as proof of his “commitment to the city, to the club, to the game.” Beckham added, “He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win.”
Messi’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the 2025 MLS season, but the new contract secures his future through 2028. This extension also means he will play beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023 after a challenging spell at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has rejuvenated his career in the U.S. His stellar tenure at Barcelona from 2004 to 2021 brought 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies.
Messi also led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022 and aims to defend the title next year. With 114 international goals and two Copa America wins (2021 and 2024), he remains a global icon.
He could make history by appearing in a sixth World Cup, potentially setting a record; though Cristiano Ronaldo might match that feat. Messi is also just three goals away from Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.
Argentina secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup by finishing nine points clear at the top of the South American table. Messi ended as top scorer with eight goals, including a brace against Venezuela in what might have been his final home qualifier.
Despite Inter Miami’s playoff exit in 2024, Messi earned the MLS Most Valuable Player award. In 2025, he became the fastest player to score 40 league goals. This season, he led Miami to third place in the Eastern Conference and sealed the Golden Boot with 29 goals in 28 matches, capped by a hat-trick in a 5-2 win over Nashville SC.
