New deal means Argentine will play for the club until he is 41
Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with Inter Miami that will keep him at the club until 2028, meaning he will remain in Major League Soccer at least until he is 41.
Messi’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of 2025. The new three-year extension ensures he will lead the team into their new home, Miami Freedom Park, set to open next year.
The club confirmed the news on Thursday with a video showing Messi signing the new contract at the construction site of the new stadium, captioned: “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 – playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi said.
“Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”
Messi’s decision is a significant boost for both Inter Miami and MLS, whose global profile has soared since his arrival in July 2023.
The Argentine captain has since scored 71 goals and provided 37 assists in 82 appearances across all competitions, guiding the club to its first major trophy, the Leagues Cup, in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024.
Manager Javier Mascherano said Messi’s influence continues to define the club’s ambitions.
“He’s very competitive and he tries to translate that to the team,” said Mascherano. “The best way to help him is by doing things the right way. He’s comfortable when the team works well, and with him, when we do things the right way, we’ll always have chances to succeed.”
For Inter Miami’s ownership group, Messi’s commitment is another step towards establishing the club as a long-term powerhouse.
“We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club,” said managing owner Jorge Mas. “Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium in Miami Freedom Park. Together we will continue building and dreaming.”
Co-owner David Beckham, who was instrumental in bringing Messi to MLS, said: “Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.
“We brought the best player to ever play the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the club and to the game.”
