Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension with Inter Miami CF, committing his future to the club through the end of the 2028 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. The announcement, made on October 23, 2025, affirms that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will remain in South Florida as the club builds toward its next chapter.
Messi, aged 38, joined Inter Miami in July 2023 and has since had a profound impact both on and off the pitch. His presence has been credited with accelerating the club’s growth and raising the profile of MLS globally. With his new extension, he will be at the club as it transitions into its new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, scheduled to open in 2026.
In announcing the deal, Messi expressed his delight at extending his stay in Miami. He said, “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park. Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”
“We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be finished — to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”
Club executives also voiced their ambitions and appreciation following the announcement. Managing Owner Jorge Mas said, “We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club. A club that represents the passion, hard work and dedication of all those that came before us to create a Miami built on dreams.”
“Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together we will continue building and dreaming.”
Co-Owner David Beckham added, “Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done. 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, to the club, and to the game. He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win.”
On sporting achievement, Messi has continued to deliver exceptional performances. In the 2025 regular season, he won the MLS Golden Boot after scoring 29 goals and recording a number of assists, helping the Herons finish third in the Eastern Conference.
His arrival in 2023 had already coincided with Inter Miami’s first major trophies: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.
For Major League Soccer, Messi’s extension is a landmark moment. Don Garber, Commissioner of MLS, emphasized the significance of the Argentine star’s continued commitment to the league, saying, “When Lionel Messi made MLS his league of choice, it marked a turning point — not just for Inter Miami, but for our entire sport in North America. Since then, we’ve witnessed something truly historic: the greatest player of all time bringing global attention to our league.”
From a strategic perspective, the deal checks several boxes for Inter Miami. Securing Messi through 2028 ensures stability during the club’s transition to its new stadium, positions the team to market around a global superstar for multiple seasons, and enhances long-term commercial value.
Since Messi’s arrival, the club’s valuation has reportedly more than doubled, with ticket sales, sponsorships, and global brand recognition reaching unprecedented levels.
However, while the extension is headline-making, it comes with both opportunity and expectation. The club still has one major trophy missing: the MLS Cup. The extension signals a renewed drive to achieve that elusive goal.
With Messi committed for at least three more years, attention will turn to building the supporting cast, maximizing the stadium’s opening, and continuing to elevate on-field performance. The move also demonstrates Messi’s personal desire to keep competing at the highest level despite his advancing age.
His decision to remain in MLS may also shape the future of football in the United States and beyond. The buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup — to be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — provides a golden opportunity to further popularize the sport in North America.