Lionel Messi Extends Inter Miami Contract Through 2028/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension with Inter Miami, committing to stay with the MLS club through at least 2026. The deal secures Messi’s presence as the team moves into its new stadium next year. It marks a major win for both the franchise and the league.
Messi Contract Extension – Quick Looks
- Contract finalized: Messi signs new deal with Inter Miami, staying until at least 2026.
- New stadium debut: Deal ensures Messi will play at Miami Freedom Park in 2026.
- Three-year agreement: Inter Miami announced contract runs through 2028 season.
- MLS impact: Messi led league in goals and is likely back-to-back MVP.
- Team shakeup ahead: Teammates Busquets, Alba retiring; Suarez future unclear.
- Fan excitement grows: Messi’s jersey tops MLS sales since 2023 debut.
- Global attention: Messi fuels Miami’s popularity and MLS’ worldwide visibility.
- Ownership reaction: David Beckham praises Messi’s continued commitment to city and game.
Deep Look: Messi Commits to Inter Miami Through 2028 as Team Prepares for New Era
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi, the global icon of soccer, is staying put in Miami. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has signed a new contract with Inter Miami CF, committing to the MLS club through at least the 2026 season, with the deal officially running through 2028.
After months of negotiations, the club confirmed the agreement Thursday, just one day before its Eastern Conference playoff opener against Nashville. The news secures Messi’s status as the face of the franchise — and Major League Soccer — during its move into Miami Freedom Park, a new state-of-the-art stadium set to open next year.
“He’s Home”: Inter Miami Confirms Deal
In a social media post, Inter Miami declared “HE’S HOME”, sharing images of Messi signing the contract inside the under-construction stadium.
“It makes me really happy to stay here and continue with this project,” Messi said in a statement. “Playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park, is a dream becoming a reality.”
Messi emphasized how content he feels in Miami and his excitement to remain part of a club building something unique in American soccer.
A Major Win for MLS and Inter Miami
Messi’s decision to extend his contract is a massive win for MLS. Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, he has not only brought historic on-field success, but also supercharged the league’s global appeal.
- He led MLS with 29 goals this season, clinching the Golden Boot.
- Added 19 assists, bringing his total goal contributions to 48, just shy of the league record.
- Became the first MLS player with multiple goals in five straight matches and set a new record with 10 multigoal games.
Messi is a favorite to repeat as league MVP, potentially becoming the first back-to-back winner and just the second two-time MVP in MLS history.
“With him, when we do things the right way, we’ll have many chances to succeed,” said head coach Javier Mascherano. “He’s still as competitive as ever.”
A Club in Transition
While Messi is locked in through the next World Cup cycle, Inter Miami faces upcoming changes. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, his former Barcelona teammates, are both set to retire after this season. Luis Suarez, also part of the Barcelona reunion, has not confirmed his future but could join them in retirement.
Messi, now 38 years old, is expected to compete in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada — adding even more relevance to his continued presence in MLS during that period.
Contract Length and Financial Impact
The deal is officially a three-year extension through 2028, giving Inter Miami long-term marketing power and stadium-ticket leverage. The club has been selling season ticket packages and seat deposits for the upcoming move to Miami Freedom Park, operating on the belief that Messi would remain with the team.
His first contract — valued at approximately $150 million — paid immediate dividends. Within months of his debut, Inter Miami won its first trophy: the 2023 Leagues Cup. The following season, despite Messi missing 15 of 34 games due to injury or national team duties, Miami still earned the Supporters’ Shield for best regular-season record.
Business Boom With Messi
Messi’s arrival has fueled a marketing and merchandise explosion:
- His No. 10 pink Inter Miami jersey has been the top seller in MLS since his debut.
- He expanded his business profile in the U.S., including starring in a Super Bowl ad.
- The club’s social media following and global recognition have surged exponentially.
“We promised fans we would build an iconic club — and we have,” said Jorge Mas, Inter Miami managing owner. “Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city.”
David Beckham’s Vision Realized
Co-owner David Beckham, who helped bring Messi to MLS, praised the commitment shown by the Argentine legend:
“We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city,” Beckham said. “It shows our commitment to Miami, and Leo’s commitment to this club and the sport.”
Messi’s impact, Beckham noted, goes beyond goals or assists — it reflects dedication to building soccer culture in the U.S. and inspiring the next generation.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.