Lionel Messi Signs New Inter Miami Contract

Lionel Messi Signs New Inter Miami Contract: A New Chapter in MLS History

Lionel Messi has officially extended his stay with Inter Miami, signing a new contract that will keep him in Major League Soccer until the end of the 2028 season.

The announcement was made on October 23, 2025, with the club sharing a video of Messi signing the deal at the under-construction Miami Freedom Park stadium. The caption accompanying the video was simple yet powerful: “He’s Home.”

Messi, now 38, expressed deep satisfaction with his decision, stating that continuing with Inter Miami is more than just a professional move—it’s a personal joy. He described the project as a dream turned into a beautiful reality and emphasized how happy he has been since arriving in Miami. His words reflected a sense of belonging and commitment to the club’s vision and future.

David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, praised Messi’s dedication, highlighting his unwavering passion for the game and his impact on soccer in the United States. Beckham noted that Messi’s presence has inspired a new generation of talent and elevated the profile of MLS globally. 

The extension, according to Beckham, is a testament to Messi’s love for the sport and his belief in the club’s mission.

Messi’s previous contract was set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, and while the extension had been anticipated, its confirmation marks a significant moment for both the player and the league.

The new deal ensures Messi will remain active through and beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 

The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023 after a turbulent stint at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has revitalized his career in MLS. His legacy, however, remains deeply rooted in his time at Barcelona, where he won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies. 

Internationally, Messi led Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and has since added two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. With 114 international goals, he remains one of the most prolific scorers in football history.

Messi’s performance in MLS has been nothing short of remarkable. He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2024 and became the fastest player to reach 40 goals in MLS history in 2025. This season, he led Inter Miami to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference and secured a playoff spot. His regular season concluded with a stunning hat-trick against Nashville SC, bringing his tally to 29 goals in 28 matches and earning him the Golden Boot award.

Looking ahead, Messi could make history by appearing in a sixth World Cup, potentially setting a new record. He is also just three goals shy of Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals. 

Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 tournament, finishing top of the South American qualifying table, with Messi leading the scoring charts.

This contract extension not only secures Messi’s future in MLS but also reinforces Inter Miami’s ambition to become a powerhouse in global football.

As construction continues on Miami Freedom Park, the club’s new stadium, Messi’s presence promises to be a cornerstone of its identity and success for years to come.