Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, has solidified his commitment to Inter Miami by signing a contract extension that will keep him with the Major League Soccer club until the end of the 2028 season. The announcement, confirmed by the club on Thursday, ends speculation and delights fans who have seen the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner have a transformative effect on the league since his arrival in 2023. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham emphasized that the extension reflects Messi’s deep commitment “to the city, to the club, to the game,” and his continued desire to win.
The new deal secures Messi’s presence in competitive football well past the 2026 World Cup in North America. At 38, the World Cup winner with Argentina is still performing at an elite level, highlighted by his recent form. He finished the current Inter Miami regular season as the league’s Golden Boot winner, netting 29 goals from 28 matches. His incredible scoring pace saw him become the fastest player to reach 40 goals in MLS history in 2025 and also earned him the MLS Most Valuable Player award in the 2024 season.
Messi’s decision to remain in Miami is a massive boon for MLS, as acknowledged by Commissioner Don Garber, who called the star’s choice of the league a “turning point” for the sport in North America. The forward, who spent the bulk of his storied career at Barcelona, has driven record attendances and ticketing revenues across the league. His personal happiness was clear in a club statement, saying, “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality.”
On the international stage, the extension ensures Messi remains active as he targets further glory with Argentina. Having led his country to World Cup victory in 2022 and two Copa America titles, the star forward is eyeing the opportunity to play in a potential sixth World Cup next year—a new all-time record. Argentina has already comfortably qualified for the finals, with Messi finishing as the top scorer with eight goals in the South American qualifiers.
Messi Extends Inter Miami Stay Through 2028
