Boluwatife Kehinde
Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with Inter Miami that will keep the Argentine legend in Major League Soccer through the end of the 2028 season.
The announcement was made on Thursday via Inter Miami’s official X account, which posted a video of Messi putting pen to paper while seated at a table inside the club’s under-construction Freedom Park stadium, along with the caption: “He’s Home.”
In a statement released by the club, Messi expressed his delight at continuing his journey in Miami.
“I’m very happy to stay here and to continue this project that has turned from a dream into a wonderful reality playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi said.
“Since coming to Miami, I’ve felt truly happy, so I’m excited to keep moving forward here.”
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham praised Messi’s decision to extend his stay, describing it as a testament to his dedication.
“His commitment to the city, the club, and the game remains as strong as ever,” Beckham said. “Having a player who loves football the way he does, and who has done so much to grow the sport in this country and inspire young talent, is something we’re extremely grateful for.”
Messi’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of the 2025 MLS season, and reports last month indicated that a new agreement was only a matter of time.
The renewed deal ensures Messi will remain active well beyond the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament kicks off on June 11, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 following a challenging stint at Paris Saint-Germain. The majority of his illustrious career, however, was spent at Barcelona, where he rose through the youth ranks and played from 2004 to 2021. During his time there, he won 10 La Liga titles and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy four times.
Recently, Messi finished as top scorer with eight goals, including a brace in what may have been his final home appearance for Argentina against Venezuela two weeks ago.
The Barcelona icon also enjoyed a sensational spell in MLS during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He was crowned MLS Most Valuable Player despite Inter Miami’s playoff exit and became the fastest player in league history to reach 40 goals.
Messi ended Inter Miami’s regular season campaign with 29 goals in 28 matches, clinching the MLS Golden Boot after scoring a hat-trick in a commanding 5–2 win over Nashville SC last Saturday.
