Lionel Messi has signed a multi-year contract extension with Inter Miami, securing his stay in South Florida until the end of the 2028 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. The deal is widely expected to be the final contract of his illustrious professional career.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but Messi has been MLS's highest-paid player by a significant margin since joining the club in 2023. His previous contract paid over $20 million per year in guaranteed compensation, more than the total payroll of around two-thirds of the league's 30 teams in 2025. The extension also includes equity in the club upon his retirement as a player.
The 38-year-old World Cup winner expressed his delight at continuing with the club, stating: 'It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality.' Club co-owner David Beckham added: 'We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo's commitment to the city, the club, and the game.'
The deal accomplishes a key goal of owner Jorge Mas, who wanted Messi to inaugurate the team's new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, scheduled to open for the 2026 season. Inter Miami's announcement included an image of Messi signing the contract at the construction site. Since 2020, the team has played at the 21,500-capacity Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Messi's time in MLS has been highly successful. He has scored 71 goals and provided 37 assists in 82 appearances, leading Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup title and the 2024 Supporters' Shield. He was named MLS MVP in 2024 despite missing nearly half the season with an ankle injury, and is on course to win the award again in 2025, which would make him the first player to win it twice since Predrag 'Preki' Radosavljevic in 1997 and 2003.
Messi is expected to represent Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, having helped the reigning champions qualify with relative ease. Inter Miami begins their 2025 MLS Cup playoffs journey on Friday against Nashville SC, with the MLS Cup remaining their last hope for a trophy this season.
