Lionel Messi Nears Contract Extension With Inter Miami

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Lionel Messi Nears Contract Extension With Inter Miami/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are finalizing a contract extension that would keep the soccer icon with the club through at least the 2026 season. Talks have been ongoing for months, with the deal aligning with the team’s new stadium debut. Messi’s presence continues to drive success and global attention to the MLS franchise.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi reacts after scoring a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against Seattle Sounders, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Lionel Messi Nears Contract Extension With Inter Miami – Quick Looks

Messi and Inter Miami are finalizing a multi-year contract extension.
The deal would keep him with the club through at least 2026.
Inter Miami hopes to have Messi on the roster for the opening of its new stadium.
The 38-year-old has scored 20 goals and provided 11 assists this season.
Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023 on a 2½-year deal worth $150 million.
He has helped Miami win the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield.
The extension is expected to boost ticket sales and international fan interest.
Messi was named MLS MVP despite missing 15 games last season.
Club has not officially commented; reports say deal is nearly complete.
Messi aims to lead Argentina in defending its World Cup title in 2026.

Deep Look: Messi, Inter Miami Close to Contract Extension Through 2026

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Soccer legend Lionel Messi is on the verge of extending his stay in Major League Soccer, with Inter Miami nearing a deal to keep the Argentine superstar through at least the 2026 season, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.

While official terms have not been disclosed, the agreement is expected to be a multi-year extension, representing a major win for Inter Miami as it prepares to open its new state-of-the-art stadium near Miami International Airport. The person sharing the news spoke on condition of anonymity, as neither Messi nor the club has commented publicly.

Media outlets including ESPN and USA Today reported Wednesday that the extension is in the final stages and could be announced soon.

A Strategic Move for Club and League

Inter Miami has been actively pursuing Messi’s continued presence with the team, not only for his on-field performance but for the tremendous business impact he has brought to the franchise and Major League Soccer as a whole.

The club has already been selling season ticket packages and accepting seat deposits for its new stadium, which is slated to open in 2026. The anticipated continued presence of Messi is widely believed to be a major selling point. Losing him before the venue opens could significantly dampen demand and hurt fan engagement.

Messi’s MLS Impact Since Arrival

Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, Messi has transformed the club from a mid-tier MLS team into a global sensation. His initial 2½-year contract was worth an estimated $150 million, making it one of the most lucrative deals in North American sports history.

Now 38 years old, Messi continues to prove that age is just a number. He currently has 20 goals — the second-most in the league — and 11 assists this season, anchoring Miami’s offense and driving the team toward playoff contention.

Despite missing 15 of 34 regular-season matches last year due to injuries and international duty with Argentina, Messi still managed to earn the MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) title.

Trophy Count and Team Achievements

Since Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami has lifted its first two major trophies:

Leagues Cup (2023) – Winning the tournament just weeks after Messi’s debut.
Supporters’ Shield (2024) – Awarded for the best regular-season record in MLS.

These achievements have helped cement Miami’s reputation as a serious title contender and elevated the league’s global profile.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and the World Stage

Should the extension be finalized, it would align Messi’s club career with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina — with Messi expected to lead the squad — will aim to defend its 2022 World Cup title, and having Messi continue his club career in the U.S. could be a boon for American soccer’s visibility on the global stage.

The continuation of Messi’s career in MLS also benefits the league as it ramps up for increased attention and potential global investment ahead of the 2026 tournament.